Dr. Erin Walsh

Brief summary about yourself?

Dr. Walsh graduated from Purdue University in May 2010 with a degree in Animal Sciences and a minor in Biology. She enjoyed her time at Purdue so much that she stayed for her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree as well. She graduated from vet school in 2014 and worked in a small animal clinic in the south suburbs for a year before coming to Companion Animal Hospital.

What made you want to become a vet?

I was lucky enough to have parents that shared my love of animals. In high school they let me foster for a Beagle rescue. Many of our foster dogs came to us with medical issues, which involved lots of vet visits. During these visits I realized that this was something I would love to be able to do for the rest of my life.

What is your most memorable moment as a veterinarian?

One of my very first cases was a rescue dog that had recently given birth to about 10 puppies and quickly developed a very severe case of mastitis (infection of the mammary glands). She was not doing well initially, but with time and care she made a full recovery and eventually got adopted by a wonderful family. I will always remember that case and how awesome it was to see how much she was progressing with each recheck exam.

How did you come to join Companion Animal Hospital?

I was looking for a clinic that practiced high-quality medicine with modern equipment and a kind staff. After replying to a job posting and then visiting Companion Animal Hospital, it seemed like an easy choice to come work here.

What are the best things about being a veterinarian?

I love the fact that my job allows me to do a little bit of everything. There is such a variety of cases you can see in any given day—wellness exams, dermatology issues, endocrine disorders, orthopedic disease, cardiac disease, etc. Being able to help create individualized treatment plans for each of these patients is very rewarding. Every day is different!

What are the best things about being a veterinarian?

I love the fact that my job allows me to do a little bit of everything. There is such a variety of cases you can see in any given day—wellness exams, dermatology issues, endocrine disorders, orthopedic disease, cardiac disease, etc. Being able to help create individualized treatment plans for each of these patients is very rewarding. Every day is different!

What is the most common problem you encounter in the pets you see?

Dental disease, by far!

What was the most rewarding case you have had as a veterinarian?

I had an older diabetic patient that developed a severe case of pancreatitis and was not doing very well despite hospitalization and treatment. She wouldn’t eat or drink anything for several days and was not acting like herself at all. Fortunately, she eventually began to respond to treatment and was able to go home to her owner after about a week in the hospital. She is now living with me due to her owner’s own health issues, and to watch that pup ravenously chow down on her low-fat diet every morning and night is the greatest thing!

What are your special interests in the field of veterinary medicine?

I love working with patients with endocrine disorders, especially diabetes. I also enjoy neurology and ophthalmology cases.

What is the most unusual pet you have helped treat?

In vet school I neutered a spotted genet; it was the sweetest critter.

What are your favorite activities outside of treating pets?

Of course, I love spending time with my rescue dogs (Zoe, a Maltese; Jojo, a Shih Tzu mix; and our recent addition, Bridey, a Terrier mix). I also enjoy spending time with my husband, Brian. I love reading, exercising, and traveling when I get the opportunity.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

People who are inconsiderate to others.

Favorite place to eat?

Anywhere with good Mexican food.

Favorite place to visit?

Purdue University—it’s always fun to go back to your alma mater.

Favorite movie?

It’s a Wonderful Life

Favorite food?

Dessert, especially ice cream

What is your favorite sports team?

I am actually not a big sports fan, but I will root for any of the Chicago teams.

Name 3 things that most people would be surprised to know about you:

1. I’m the oldest of 5 kids, and 4 out of 5 of us have degrees from Purdue!
2. I have 3 senior rescue dogs, 2 of which are diabetic—and all 3 are deaf!
3. I have fostered 30+ dogs for various rescues since high school.