Veterinarian
Dr. Rebekah Spainhour was born and raised in Derby, Kansas. For as long as she can remember, Dr. Spainhour has always had a love for all animals, and a unique passion for science and medicine. As a child, she knew that her calling was to help others and had career goals of entering into the healthcare setting.
Dr. Spainhour attended Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas where she obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology. She played NCAA Division II volleyball, and originally majored in chemistry in hopes of becoming a pharmacist. During her undergraduate studies, she realized that her love for animals, science, and medicine could all join forces into one great career, and switched gears towards veterinary medicine. After this switch was made, Dr. Spainhour worked extremely hard to gain the experience needed to help animals and get accepted into veterinary school.
Dr. Spainhour received her Doctorate Degree in Veterinary Medicine from Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2022. While in school, Dr. Spainhour conducted research to create a diagnostic assay for Cytauxzoonosis, a tick-borne disease affecting feline species. Dr. Spainhour's research was eventually published in the MDPI Pathogens Journal [1]. In addition, Dr. Rebekah Spainhour was a dual-degree major and received her Master’s Degree in Public Health.
During veterinary school, Dr. Spainhour experienced hardship that would change her life both personally and professionally, forever. Dr. Spainhour received news that she was suffering from congenital heart disease, and ultimately would need to undergo urgent open-heart surgery to correct these issues. That experience solidified her passion in the importance of compassionate patient care and client communication, and has strengthened her ability to have empathy and positivity for any scenario life throws her way.
Dr. Spainhour’s veterinary interests include preventative medicine, cardiology, soft tissue surgery, and client education. In her free time, Dr. Spainhour enjoys anything involving the outdoors, great food, and spending time with her Mastiff-Vizsla mix, Ava.
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[1] Kao Y-F, Spainhour R, Cowan SR, Nafe L, Birkenheuer A, Reichard MV, Miller CA. A Serodiagnostic IgM ELISA to Detect Acute Cytauxzoonosis. Pathogens. 2022; 11(10):1183. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens11101183
Education and Professional Degrees:
Doctorate Degree in Veterinary Medicine , Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine
Master’s Degree in Public Health, Oklahoma State University
Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology, Fort Hays State University
Professional Associations:
Special Interests:
Customer Reviews For Dr Rebekah Spainhour At Blue Springs Animal Hospital in Kansas City
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The front desk staff, technician, and Dr. Spainhour were welcoming, kind, and helpful. Dr. Spainhour took her time to fully examine my dog, answered all of my questions, and sent me home with additional information to help me care for my pet.
Our Pet is our baby. I wanted somewhere she would be treated safely, well and lovingly. I found that place. She immediately felt comfortable with both Lauren the Tech and Dr. Spainhour the Vet. Thank you! That means more than you could possibly know.