12/05/2022
Dear Union Hill Veterinary Hospital family,
It has been 33 years since I first opened my veterinary practice in Athens, so it is with much sorrow that I have decided to close the Union Hill Veterinary Hospital December 30, 2022. With consideration for my patients, clients, staff, my family and myself I made the choice to discontinue working and focus my energy toward my health struggle, which I have previously kept private, but I want to disclose now so you can understand how difficult the decision is for me.
In October 2019, I had bladder surgery to correct a blocked ureter. The urologist noted irregular growth within my abdomen and took biopsies. It was determined that I had a rare abdominal cancer originating from my appendix, which had spread throughout my abdomen. I began a 6 month chemotherapy protocol at the beginning of 2020. Because of Covid shutdowns and curbside service, I was able to keep my condition private. My particular cancer did not respond to the chemotherapy, in September of 2021, I participated in a clinical trial at Wake Forest Cancer Center. Again my cancer remained unchanged. Because of the receptionist talents of Heather with scheduling appointments, very few of my clients even noticed my time away. The cancer has been stable, but I recently started having new pain and a CT revealed an increase in growth. The oncologists at Wake Forest recommends a different chemotherapy to slow the growth. The side effects of this new regime are quite harsh and my doctor recommends I should not continue working as a veterinarian since the job is so challenging both mentally and physically. Therefor, the decision to close my veterinary practice was made so I would not jeopardize patient care, and allow me to get rest and avoid complications with the new chemotherapy.
Besides asking for your prayers, I would like you to support my decision to close the clinic by getting copies of your pet's medical records and finding a new veterinarian as soon as possible before December 30th. Medical history and vaccination records are critical for a new veterinary care team to become familiar with your animal's needs and continuity of care. Also included here are Heather's directives on transferring care. Appointments will be limited due to further medical testing and procedures scheduled for me in the coming weeks.
Being a veterinarian has been more of a vocation than a career for me. I have loved my furry patients and their families and I thank you for trusting me with their medical care. I have been blessed with meeting quite a few four-legged and two-legged characters over the past 40 years and will miss being a veterinarian more than you can imagine.
With much love and gratitude
Ellen Thoni DVM
