Archives: Staff

Christina Rotoloni, DVM is a Pittsburgh native who earned her undergraduate degree in biochemistry at Allegheny College. Afterwards, she attended veterinary school at Ross University with her clinical rotations at University of Minnesota. While at UMN, Dr. Rotoloni discovered her passion for emergency medicine. After completion of the Catalyst Program through Compassion-First Pet Hospitals, she joined the emergency team at VRC. Outside of work, Dr. Rotoloni enjoys staying active through running and hiking as well as spoiling her dog, Tegan.

Dr. Sadanaga attended the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine, interned at the California Animal Hospital in Los Angeles, CA, and completed his surgical residency at Penn. He is also a board-certified Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Dr. Sadanaga is one of the region’s leading soft tissue surgeons, and was one of the first in the nation to specialize in soft tissue surgery in private practice. With more than 25 years of experience, he has expertise in a variety of surgical procedures and incorporates the latest technologies in his advanced approaches to treatment. He has been frequently called upon for his skills in surgical oncology, general surgery, plastic and reconstructive surgery, emergency surgery, neurosurgery and select orthopedic procedures. He is also recognized for pioneering a new surgical technique to treat laryngeal paralysis in dogs.

Dr. Sadanaga is a member of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, the Veterinary Cancer Society, the Delaware Valley Academy, and other regional and national veterinary medical associations.

To view a list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding surgery at VRC, click HERE.

Elysia Schaefer, DVM, MS, DACVS-LA grew up moving around the country in an Air Force family. She earned both her undergraduate and veterinary degrees at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. Afterwards, she completed a large animal internship at the University of Minnesota and returned to Illinois to complete an equine surgery residency and masters degree program. After being a board certified large animal surgeon for many years, she was ready for her next adventure. After completion of the Catalyst Program through Compassion-First Pet Hospitals, she joined the emergency team at VRC.

Dr. Meredith Thompson earned her Bachelor’s of Science from Colorado State University in Equine Science and earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree from The Ohio State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. During veterinary school she worked in the intensive care unit where she developed her interest in emergency medicine. Since graduation, she has been working exclusively in emergency medicine, joining the emergency and critical care team at VRC in 2023. In her spare time, Dr. Thompson enjoys hiking with her German Shepherd dog, Adeline, and riding her horses, Monkey and Dax.