Ingrid M. Straeter-Knowlen, Dr. med. vet. | istraeter@petcardiologist.com

Dr. Straeter was born and raised in Germany where she attended the Tieraerztliche Hochschule (Veterinary School) in Hannover, Germany. She went on to an internship program in small animal medicine and surgery at Washington State University and then to a fellowship and a faculty position in cardiology at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. At the same time, Dr. Straeter started a non-traditional residency in veterinary cardiology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, completing it in 1999 (“board-eligible”). In 1997, Dr. Straeter founded Cardiac Evaluations, Inc. which now constitutes her sole work after stepping down from her position at UAB. Today, Cardiac Evaluations has grown to incorporate Veterinary Diagnostics with Jamie Brannon, ARDMS, performing abdominal ultrasounds under the supervision of Dr. Straeter. Veterinary Diagnostics and Cardiac Evaluations, Inc. will continue to improve and grow to satisfy all clients’ demands to the best of Dr. Straeter’s knowledge. (read Dr. Straeter's full bio here)

Jamie Kay Brannon, ARDMS-RVT-CCI | jbrannon@petcardiologist.com

My name is Jamie and I graduated from high school in 1994. I knew that I wanted to be a veterinary technician, so I pursued that dream and was a veterinary technician for 10 years in general practice. That is where I first fell in love with ultrasound. The more I saw of the performance of ultrasound the more I knew that this was what I wanted to do. There are, however, no schools for veterinary ultrasound, therefore, I went to school for human ultrasound at Virginia College in Birmingham, Alabama, from 2002 to 2005. I knew that there is a great void in veterinary medicine for skilled ultrasound scanners, therefore, I returned to my first love, veterinary medicine, after graduation. I now practice at Veterinary Diagnostics and Cardiac Evaluations, Inc., where I perform abdominal ultrasounds under the supervision of Dr. Straeter.

Nisel Nenortas, LVT

My name is Nisel and I graduated from a Veterinary Technician School in 2002 from California. I moved to Alabama in 2004 to work for the Emergency and Specialty Animal Medical Center, initially to work on weekends and nights at the Emergency Clinic only. I started working for Dr. Straeter-Knowlen in 2005 and enjoy it very much. Cardiac patients are quite special and it is great being able to take care of them.I transferred from the University of Alabama to UAB and will finish my Bachelor degree in Business as soon as possible. I love working with animals and look forward to working with many more.

Kate Thomas

My name is Kate Thomas and I have been working in the veterinary field since 1996.  In 2004 I discovered one of my own pets had an enlarged heart and was referred to Dr. Straeter-Knowlen for a cardiac work-up.  I was so impressed with the level of care and concern provided and the knowledge demonstrated by Dr. Straeter-Knowlen and her nurse that I decided to become a part of their outstanding group. Before joining Cardiac Evaluation’s team in early 2005, I worked three years in a daytime practice and five years in emergency veterinary medicine. 

Jennifer Wanninger

I have just started working in the animal field and enjoy it tremendously. There is a great deal to learn about different medicines, owner-pet relationships and treatment options, among other things. I also attend college in Gadsden with a major in business relations.