Carrie Breaux, DVM, MVSc, and Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (DACVO®), joined WestVet in 2008. As a board certified veterinary ophthalmologist, Dr. Breaux has the distinction of being one of an elite group of veterinary specialists practicing worldwide.

Dr. Breaux says her desire to pursue veterinary medicine simply sprang from her love of science and animals. Growing up on a farm in Illinois, she was surrounded by animals of all kinds including horses, cows, sheep, cats, dogs, and even a few pigs. She earned two bachelor degrees, a BS in Biology from Eastern Illinois University, followed by a BS in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Illinois in Champaign. She continued at the U of I, graduating with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2001.

On her path to specializing in veterinary medicine, Dr. Breaux completed a one-year Equine Medicine & Surgery internship in Littleton, Colorado, followed by a one-year Ophthalmology internship in Denver, Colorado. Her educational pursuits next brought her to Canada where she earned her Master’s Degree in Veterinary Science (MVSc) from the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Canada and completed her studies with a three-year residency at the University of Saskatchewan.

Upon completing her education, Dr. Breaux served as an assistant professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Illinois for two years during which time she taught ophthalmology to veterinary students.

Dr. Breaux met her husband during her equine internship. He worked as a farrier—someone who trims the hooves of horses hooves and fits horseshoes. Three active and amazing children now complete their family. They will often be found horseback riding together on area trails, camping, hiking, or enjoying the many other outdoor adventures the Treasure Valley has to offer.

The Breaux family owns three horses, two dogs, and what is described as a ‘mischievous cat.’ When Dr. Breaux is not working as a veterinarian or spending time with her family, she dabbles in photography.

Dr. Breaux believes in effective communication with her clients and referring veterinarians. She diligently obtains a client’s medical history in order to both determine a diagnosis and plan for treatment options. She is an integral part of our veterinary specialist team at WestVet and we are delighted to offer her experience and expertise to our clients in the Treasure Valley.

ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL WORK

Dr. Breaux remains actively involved with the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO). Currently, she serves as co-chairman for the ACVO genetics committee.

PUBLICATIONS

Gosling AA, Labelle AL, Breaux CB. Management of spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects (SCCEDs) in dogs with diamond burr debridement and placement of a bandage contact lens. Vet Ophthalmol. 2012 Apr 23

Labelle AL, Whittington JK, Breaux CB, Labelle P, Mitchell MA, Zarfoss MK, Schmidt SA, Hamor RE.Clinical utility of a complete diagnostic protocol for the ocular evaluation of free-living raptors. Vet Ophthalmol. 2012 Jan;15(1):5-17

Labelle AL, Hamor RE, Townsend WM, Mitchell MA, Zarfoss MK, Breaux CB, Thomasy SM, Hall T. Ophthalmic lesions in neonatal foals evaluated for nonophthalmic disease at referral hospitals. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2011 Aug 15; 239(4):486-92

Labelle AL, Hamor RE, Macneill AL, Lascola KM, Breaux CB, Tolar EL. Effects of ophthalmic disease on concentrations of plasma fibrinogen and serum amyloid A in the horse. Equine Vet J. 2011 Jul;43(4):460-5

Sandmeyer LS, Breaux CB, Grahn BH. Diagnostic ophthalmology. Can Vet J. 2010 Nov;51(11):1295-6

Sandmeyer LS, Breaux CB, Grahn BH. Diagnostic ophthalmology. Squamous cell carcinoma. Can Vet J. 2008 May;49(5):507-8

Sandmeyer LS, Breaux CB, Grahn BH. What are your clinical diagnosis, differential diagnoses, therapeutic plan, and prognosis? Diffuse episcleritis of the right eye. Can Vet J. 2008 Jan;49(1):89-90

Sandmeyer LS, Breaux CB, Archer S, Grahn BH. Clinical and electroretinographic characteristics of congenital stationary night blindness in the Appaloosa and the association with the leopard complex. Vet Ophthalmol. 2007 Nov-Dec;10(6):368-75

Sandmeyer LS, Grahn BH, Breaux CB. Diagnostic ophthalmology. Congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB). Can Vet J. 2006 Nov;47(11):1131, 1133