Ashley Hechler, DVM, MS, DACVS
Veterinarian Neurologist and Neurosurgeon, Read more about her Current Position
Ashley Hechler, PhD is a board-certified veterinary neurologist with expertise in treating complex neurological conditions such as syringomyelia and Chiari-like malformations in dogs. With a background as faculty at Ohio State University, where she contributed to groundbreaking research and trained the next generation of veterinary specialists, Dr. Hechler has made significant strides in improving early diagnosis and treatment options that enhance the quality of life for her patients. Now practicing at a specialty hospital in Park City, Utah, she continues to be a valuable resource for both pet owners and veterinarians in managing challenging neurological conditions.
Ashely Hechler's work focuses on neurological disorders in small animals, mainly dogs, such as syringomyelia and chiari-like malformation. Both of these disorders present as damage or buildup of fluid in the spinal chord, resulting in many neurological deficits and pain. She also focuses her research on pain management along with better methoods of detecting problems early on which allowes for better management of pain and a higher chance of recovery for these animals. Through these improvements veterinarians have a higher chance of treating problems and the animals suffering with these neurological have a chance at a higher quality of life.
Oral History
The full interview transcript can be found (here), along with the audio found (here), conducted on Nov 2, 2024.
References and Publications:
Plessas, I. N., & Hechler, A. (2018). Understanding and treating Chiari-like malformation and syringomyelia in dogs. ResearchGate. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.17635.86560
Hechler, A. (2019). Identifying and treating neuropathic pain in dogs with syringomyelia (Master’s thesis, The Ohio State University). OhioLINK. https://etd.ohiolink.edu/apexprod/rws_etd/send_file/send?accession=osu1554712901697936&disposition=inline
Hechler, A., Driver, C., & Rusbridge, C. (2020). Mechanical quantitative sensory testing in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with and without syringomyelia. BMC Veterinary Research, 16(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-020-02313-7
Hechler, A., & Driver, C. (2023). A novel two-catheter method for urethral catheterization improves success rates of urethral catheterization in female dogs and cats weighing less than ten kilograms. ResearchGate. https://doi.org/10.373172404
Hechler, A. (2021). Developing a predictive model for spinal shock in dogs with spinal cord injury. ResearchGate. https://doi.org/10.357719116