Meet Dr. Collins
Dr. Collins is a 2006 graduate of MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine. She has held a variety of general practice veterinarian positions since graduating, and spent many years growing and cultivating her skill set in soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries.
In 2018 she transitioned to being a relief veterinarian, primarily providing general surgery coverage for clinics in the Lansing area. One thing she noticed over and over was clients wanting to provide their pet with a surgery option when needed, but not necessarily being able to do so. In many cases referral was cost prohibitive, but their trusted primary veterinarian was not comfortable, adequately trained, or had the time in their already crammed schedules to perform the needed surgeries. While not a board certified surgeon, she had a plethora of clinical experiences and a passion to continue to learn more every day, maybe she could help fill the gap. She already contained the skill set to offer many advanced soft tissue and orthopedic surgery options, but broadened her ability by attending continuing education labs at MSU, the Oquendo institute, VMX/NAVC institute, and studying under another traveling surgeon.
In 2021 she took the leap and launched the case by case surgery aspect of Press Paws and hasn’t looked back. It has been extremely well received by pet owners and veterinarians alike, and hundreds of animals have been able to have surgeries they needed in the comfort of their primary clinic. Each year Press Paws has shown continued growth and success.
Dr. Collins loves to teach and give back to the veterinary community whenever possible. Press Paws provides discounted surgeries to many shelters/rescues/humane societies around mid-Michigan, helping them make pets in search of a new home more adoptable, for which was recently bestowed the Community Veterinary Hero Award by the Capital Area Humane Society. Dr. Collins is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association, and the Mid-State Veterinary Medical Association.
When not working, she can be found spending time with her son and husband, coaching for and training with the Playmakers Triathlon Team, and caring for her own furry pack, one dog and three cats.
What Sets Dr. Collins Apart?
● All clients receive a post-op call directly from Dr. Collins to discuss the procedure, post-op restrictions and recommendations, and discuss any questions they may have about their pet’s surgery.
● Orthopedic surgeries go home with detailed post-op instructions that include at home rehab exercises the client can do with their pet.
● Dr. Collins provides Nocita, a long acting numbing agent, included in her surgery cost for all general practice orthopedic, limb amputation, and TECABO surgeries
● All general practice cruciate repair and luxating patella repair surgeries receive a lick sleeve to help provide additional surgery site protection.
● Dr. Collins carries Simini, a highly effective, non-antibiotic lavage solution that is used immediately prior to closure to reduce bacterial counts and help decrease the risk of post-op infection. It is not used in every case, and there is an additional fee, but it is very effective for surgeries that carry a higher post-op infection complication risk.
● Dr. Collins spent many years working in several general practices, so she understands the trials and tribulations of the primary care veterinary world, and is always eager to help provide additional options and opportunities for clinics, clients, and pets.
● Dr. Collins is passionate about trying to close the financial gap and make advanced surgery procedures available to as many pets as possible.
● Dr. Collins believes strongly in the human animal bond and has dedicated many hours to providing shelter/rescue/humane society/animal control pets discounted advanced surgeries in order to make them healthier, more comfortable, and easier to adopt out into a new, loving home.