Gabrielle Rutkauskas, DVM
Practice Limited to Dentistry
Why I Do What I Do
Joining the Veterinary Dental Center team allows me to combine my passion for animals and interest in dentistry and oral surgery. I have loved animals for my entire life. Growing up I had many pets ranging from English Bulldogs to rabbits to frogs. Caring for those pets and helping them live long lives brought me joy and quickly became my passion. I knew I wanted to turn that passion into a lifelong career. At 12 years old I started shadowing and assisting our family’s veterinarian who ultimately became my mentor. Through her mentorship I decided to attend her alma mater, Ross University, for vet school.
Ross University is where I was first introduced to veterinary dentistry, but my interest has only grown since working in a primary care practice over the last 18 months. I have witnessed the difference good oral health can make in the physical and mental wellbeing of animals. I find oral surgery satisfying as it can provide discomfort relief almost immediately. I look forward to applying the knowledge I have gained through primary care practice and continue to gain through my residency training at the Veterinary Dental Center to provide your pets with quality care.
Memorable Moments
(Story posted with owner’s permission.) A former coworker and friend of mine inherited a senior Yorkie named Honey from her grandmother who had passed away. Honey had multiple concurrent issues such as dry eye, Lyme disease, fleas, dermatitis, and most notably, severe periodontal disease. When I first met her, she appeared uncomfortable, lethargic, and shy. We treated Honey using a long list of medications, although her demeanor and energy level only changed after we pursued her dental procedure. Nearly all of Honey’s teeth were extracted. The next morning her owner reported that she had never seen Honey eat with such excitement and ease. Since then, Honey seems to be aging backward. She is much more playful and friendly. This is a prime example of how oral health affects the daily lives of our pets!
The Other Love of My Life
I am absolutely obsessed with my island cat, Kirra. Kirra and her littermate were found in a garbage can as newborn kittens during Category 5 Hurricane Irma in St. Kitts. Although I had never personally owned a cat before, Kirra quickly became an important part of my life. I decided to adopt Kirra after fostering her for a few weeks. Since then she has become my personal travel buddy, living and visiting places such as St. Kitts, Chicago, Auburn, New Orleans, Nashville, and Lake Geneva. Kirra loves car rides, catching mice (and gifting them to me), playing with feathers, sleeping by the fire, and eating whipped cream. She is the sweetest. Even my dad who is “so allergic” to cats allows her to snuggle with him.