Where Medicine Meets Compassion: NVS Elevates Cardiac Patient Care
February 14, 2025Dr. Eric Owens, a board-certified veterinary cardiologist, is the newest member of the cardiology team at Nashville Veterinary Specialists (NVS) in Nashville, Tenn. Dr. Owens, together with Dr. Kiira Rodriguez and the NVS interventional cardiology team, recently reached a major milestone as Dr. Owens successfully performed his first surgery since joining the practice. The procedure was an interventional patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure on a Bernadoodle puppy named Knox.
Knox was born with PDA, a congenital heart defect where a fetal blood vessel fails to close after birth. Left untreated, it can lead to abnormal blood flow and serious health issues. Fortunately, the standard of care for this condition is now a transcatheter PDA closure.
This advanced technique allows the doctor to correct the condition without open-heart surgery. A catheter is guided through the bloodstream from the groin to the heart, where a closure device is deployed to close the PDA and restore normal circulation. “The majority of patients with a PDA will pass away within the first years of life,” Dr. Owens explained. “But with a successful closure, as in Knox’s case, the patient is anticipated to have a normal, healthy life.”
About Dr. Eric Owens
Dr. Owens graduated from veterinary school at St. George’s University. He then completed an internship at Ohio State University followed by a cardiology internship and cardiology residency at Oregon State University. He has always been drawn to cardiology, particularly interventional procedures that allow him to combine his knowledge of heart disease with hands-on surgical skills. His clinical interests include congenital cardiac diseases, canine cardiomyopathies, and electrophysiology. Outside of work, Dr. Owens enjoys staying active, hiking with his dog, and spending time with family and friends.
Dr. Owens chose to practice at an Ethos network hospital for the opportunity to provide innovative, gold-standard medical care in a robust fast-paced hospital. “NVS is an incredible environment with brilliant doctors, skilled technicians, and encouraging and supportive leadership,” he said. “The teamwork and collaborative nature of this hospital really set it apart.”
Following Knox’s surgery, the NVS team celebrated a trio of milestones: Dr. Owens’ first surgery at NVS, Knox’s journey to better health, and the countless pets who will benefit from this life-saving service in the future.
About Dr. Kiira Rodriguez
While Dr. Owens led Knox’s procedure, it wouldn’t have been possible without Dr. Kiira Rodriguez, a board-certified veterinary cardiologist who first brought specialty cardiology services to NVS. Dr. Rodriguez chose NVS because she felt the work environment and community were a great fit for her.
Like many veterinarians, her love of animals drew her the profession from a very young age. “As I got older, I also really enjoyed the science behind medicine,” she explained. “I like being able to use my knowledge and skills to help diagnose and treat our special furry companions.”
When she’s not working, Dr. Rodriguez enjoys spending time with her family, attending her children’s after-school activities, running, reading, and caring for her three Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
Ensuring Better Outcomes
Thanks to the expertise of Dr. Owens, Dr. Rodriguez, and the entire NVS cardiology team, lucky patients will continue to receive the kind of advanced, life-saving care that leads to better outcomes.