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Anna O'Brien, DVM

Anna O’Brien, DVM is a large animal veterinarian. A 2008 graduate of Purdue University, she currently works in Maryland, just outside of Washington, D.C.

Her experience in ambulatory medicine across the countryside of rural central Maryland has focused on all four-legged farm animals, from cattle (both beef and dairy) to horses, pigs, goats, sheep, llamas, and alpacas, with the occasional zebra, camel, and primate from the local zoo thrown in for good measure.

Dr. O’Brien is also a freelance writer and has had articles published in numerous national magazines, including Dogs USA, Horse Illustrated, Alpacas Magazine, Equine Journal, and Just Labs.

In addition to veterinary work and writing, Dr. O’Brien loves to read, train for triathlons, and travel. She also shares her home with four furry creatures:

• Shadow is Dr. O’Brien’s black Lab mix and absolute best friend. Shadow loves to chase rabbits and has a favorite orange ball she loves to squeak — when she is not following Dr. O’Brien everywhere.

• Tuna is Dr. O’Brien’s domestic longhair cat. A strikingly elegant gentleman, Tuna has looks to kill and an attitude to match.

• Amber is Dr. O’Brien’s blind cat (donated from a client) who also has the craziest heart rhythm ever heard. Amber had a blood clot in her front leg about one year ago, and although fully recovered now, is still on three different types of medications to keep her going strong.

• Scabs is Dr. O’Brien’s third, and last cat. And her name says it all. Another client donation, this little orange creature is partially bald with a non-malignant form of skin cancer. She may look like a naked mole rat at times, but you can be sure she has a heart of gold. Of course, you’d have to, if you looked like her.