Doctors

Fernando Garcia - Pereira DVM, MS, DACVAA - Pureveter.com

Fernando Garcia

DVM, MS, DACVAA

Fernando Garcia-Pereira DVM, MS, DACVAA

Veterinarian for over 20 years; completed two clinical internships, veterinary anesthesia residency and master of sciences in veterinary clinical sciences. Professor of two major veterinary colleges (Michigan State University and University of Florida) for 14 years combined, teaching veterinary students, conducting clinical anesthesia and performing anesthesia, analgesia and physiology related research. Main research focuses were ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia, cardiorespiratory and pain physiology and effects of anesthetics in these systems.

Paranjape V, Henao-Guerrero, Menciotti. G, Shih A, Garcia-Pereira F. Use of modified passive leg raise maneuver as a volumetric predictor of fluid responsiveness during experimental induction and correction of hypovolemia in anesthetized dogs. Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgegia, 48(6), 2021

Portela DA, Romano M, Zamora GA, Garcia-Pereira F, Pablo LS, Gatson BJ, Johnson AN, Otero PE. The effect of erector spinae plane block on perioperative analgesic consumption and complications in dogs undergoing hemilaminectomy surgery: a retrospective cohort study. Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia, 48(1):116-124, 2021.

Verpaalen VD, Case JB, Dark MJ, Cardenas-Goicoechea SJ, Winter MD, Boston SE, Garcia-Pereira F, Rhoton-Vlasak AS, Toskich BB. Feasibility and efficacy of ultrasonographic and laparoscopic guidance for microwave ablation of clinically normal canine ovaries. American Journal of Veterinary Research, 81(9):747-754, 2020.

Regier PJ, Fealey MJ, Kim SE, Case JB, Garcia-Pereira F. Comparison of intestinal leak pressure between cadaveric canine and commercial synthetic intestinal tissue that did and did not undergo enterotomy. American Journal of Veterinary Research, 81(10):827-831, 2020.

Fealey MJ, Regier PJ, Steadman Bs C, Brad Case J, Garcia-Pereira F. Initial leak pressures of four anastomosis techniques in cooled cadaveric canine jejunum. Veterinary Surgery 49 (3):480-486, 2020.

Vaidehi Paranjape(r), Fernando L Garcia-Pereira, and Andre C Shih.  2018. Use of a modified passive leg-raising to predict fluid responsiveness during experimental induction and correction of hypovolemia in healthy isoflurane-anesthetized pigs.  American Journal of Veterinary Research, January 80 (1): 24-32, 2019.

Garcia-Pereira F.  Epidural anesthesia and analgesia in small animal practice: An update.

The Veterinary Journal, 242: 24-32, 2018

Garbin M, Portela DA, Bertolizio G, Garcia-Pereira F, Gallastegui A , Otero PE.  Description of ultrasound–guided quadratus lumborum block technique and evaluation of injectate spread in canine cadavers. Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia, Available online December 2019. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaa.2019.12.005

Portela DA, Castro D, Romano M, Gallastegui A, Garcia-Pereira F, Otero PE. Ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block in canine cadavers: relevant anatomy and injectate distribution. Anaesthesia and Analgesia, available online October 2019.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaa.2019.10.005

Garcia-Pereira FL. Updates in epidural anesthesia and analgesia in small animal practice. The Veterinary Journal 242, 24-32, 2018

Castro DS, Garcia-Pereira FL and Giglio RF. Evaluation of the potential efficacy of an ultrasound-guided adductor canal block technique in dog cadavers. Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia, 45(4):566-74, 2018. (Resident Submission).

Garcia-Pereira FL, Boruta D, Tenenbaum S, Paranjape V. Ultrasonographical image of the superficial circumflex iliac artery as a landmark for visualization of the femoral nerve in the dog. Vet Anaesth Analg, 45 (5): 703-706, 2018.

Fernando Garcia-Pereira.  2018. Updates in epidural anesthesia and analgesia in small animal practice.  The Veterinary Journal. Available online. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1090023318305525

Douglas S Castro(r), Fernando L Garcia-Pereira, and Robson F Giglio(&).  2018. Evaluation of the potential efficacy of an ultrasound-guided adductor canal block technique in dog cadavers.  Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia, 45(4):566-74.

Michelle M Hasiuk(r), Fernando L Garcia-Pereira, Clifford R Berry(&), and Gary Ellison(&).  2018. Effects of alfaxalone on canine splenic volume following a single intravenous bolus injection determined via computed tomography. Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research, 82(3): 203-7.

Garcia-Pereira Fernando L, Daniel Boruta(&), Sharon Tenenbaum(r), and Vaidehi Paranjape(r).  2018. Ultrasonographical image of the superficial circumflex iliac artery as a landmark for visualization of the femoral nerve in the dog.  Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia, 45(5):703-6.

Katie S Barry(r), Joseph B Case(&), Matthew D Winter(&), Fernando Garcia-Pereira, Gareth Buckley(&), and Matthew D Johnson(&).  2017. Diagnostic usefulness of laparoscopy versus exploratory laparotomy for dogs with suspected gastrointestinal obstruction.  J Am Vet Med Assoc.  251(3): 307-314.

Sharon Tenenbaum(r), Fernando L Garcia-Pereira, Clifford Berry(&), and Victoria Obert(&).  2017. Comparison of cardiac output measured by use of computed tomography and thermodilution in dogs.  American Journal of Veterinary Research.  78(8): 906-909.

CJX Abimussi(f), BP Floriano(f), JT Wagatsuma(f), CHB Canceli(f), JZ Ferreira(f), FL Garcia-Pereira, PSP Santos(&), and VNLS Oliva(&).  2017. Eficacia e efeitos hemodinamicos da anesthesia raquidiana com ropivacaine isobarica, hipobárica e hiperbarica em caes anestesiados com isoflurane. Pesquisa Veterinaria Brasileira.  37/2: 137-144.

MM Santisteban(f), Y Qi(&), J Zubcevic(&), S Kim(&), T Yang(&), V Shenoy(&), CT Cole Jeffrey(&), GO Lobaton(&), D Stewart(&), A Rubiano(&), C Simmons(&), F Garcia-Pereira, RD Johnson(&), CJ Pepine(&), and MK Raizada(&).  2017. Hypertension-linked pathophysiological alterations in the gut. Circulation Research.  120(2): 312-323.

A Gould(g), Fernando L Garcia-Pereira, and Wallace D Gram(&).  2017. Cardiac arrest in American Cocker Spaniel during deep ear flush procedure.  J Am Vet Med Assoc.  250(9): 1023-1026.

Carolyne Monk(r), Dennis E Brooks(&), Tiffany Granone(&), Fernando L Garcia-Pereira, A Melesko(&), and Caryn E Plummer(&).  2017. Measurement of intraocular pressure in healthy anesthetized horses during hosting. Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia.  44(3): 502-508.

Fernando L Garcia-Pereira, Timo Prange(&), Aaron Seller(r), and Victoria Obert(&).  2016. Evaluation of epiduroscopy for detection of vertebral canal and spinal cord lesions in dogs.  Am J Vet Res.  77(7): 776-780.

Bonnie Gatson(r), Fernando L Garcia-Pereira, Michelle James(r), and Sheila Carrera-Justiz(&).  2016. The use of perfusion index to confirm the presence of sciatic nerve blockade in dogs.  Vet Anaesth Analg.  43(6): 662-669.

Brunson BW(r), Case JB(&), Ellison GW(&), Alvarez WA(r), Kim SE(&), Winter M(&), Garcia-Pereira FL, and  Farina LL(&).  2016. Evaluation of surgical outcome, complications and mortality in dogs undergoing preoperative computed tomography angiography for diagnosis of an extrahepatic portosystemic shunt: 124 cases (2005-2014).  Canadian Veterinary Journal. 57(1): 59-64.

WA Alvarez(r), JB Case(&), KL Cooke(&), F Garcia-Pereira, G Buckley(&), E Monnet(&), and B Toskich(&).  2016. Temporary percutaneous T-fastener gastropexy and continuous decompressive gastrotomy in dogs with experimentally induced gastric dilatation.  American Journal of Veterinary Research.  77(7): 771-778.

Robert A Sanders, Emily Chapel, Fernando L Garcia-Pereira, and KE Venet.  2015. Utility of transesophageal electrocardiography to guide optimal placement of a transesophageal pacing catheter in dogs.  Vet Anaesth and Analg.  42(1): 99-102.

Monica Santisteban, N Ahmari, JM Carvajal, M Zingler, Y Qi, S Kim, J Joseph, Fernando L Garcia-Pereira, Richard D Jonhson, V Shenoy, M Raizada, and J Zubcevic.  2015. Involvement of bone marrow cells and neuroinflammation in hypertension.  Circulation Research.  117(2): 178-191. doi: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.117.305853. Epub 2015 May 11.

Henry D O’neill(r), Fernando L Garcia-Pereira, and Mohan Kumar.  2014. Ultrasound-guided injection of the maxillary nerve in the horse.  Equine Vet J.  46(2): 180-184.

Andre C Shih, Patricia Queiroz, Alessio Vigani, Anderson Da Cunha, R Pariaut, Carolina Ricco, Jennifer Bornkamp, Fernando L Garcia-Pereira, and Carsten Bandt.  2014. Comparison of cardiac output determined by an ultrasound velocity dilution cardiac output method and by the lithium dilution cardiac output method in juveline horses with experimentally induced hypovolemia.  Am J Vet Res.  75(6): 565-571.

Ricardo JG Pereira, A Napolitano, Fernando L Garcia-Pereira, Caroline F Baldo, S Suhr, LE King, Jose B Cibelli, DA Karcher, Elizabeth A McNiel, and Gloria I Perez.  2013. Conservation of Avian Germplasm by Xenogeneic Transplantation of Spermatogonia from Sexually Mature Donors.  Stem Cells and Development.  22(5): 735-749.

Fernando L Garcia-Pereira, Robert Sanders, Andre Shih, Iolana M Sonea, and Joseph Hauptman.  2013. Evaluation of electrical nerve stimulation for epidural catheter positioning in the dog.  Vet Anaesth and Analg.  40(5): 546-550.

Timo Prange, Elisabeth A Carr, John A Stick, Fernando L Garcia-Pereira, John S Patterson, and Frederick J Derksen.  2012. Cervical vertebral canal endoscopy in a horse with cervical vertebral stenotic myelopathy.  Equine Vet J. 44/1: 116-119.

Gareth J Buckley, Andre C Shih, Fernando L Garcia-Pereira, and Carsten Bandt.  2012. The effects of using an impedance threshold device on hemodynamic parameters during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in dogs.  J Vet Emerg Crit Care.  22(4): 435-440.

Caroline F Baldo(r), Fernando L Garcia-Pereira, Nathan C Nelson, Joseph G Hauptman, and Andre C Shih.  2012. Effects of anesthetic drugs on canine splenic volume determined by computed tomography.  Am J Vet Res.  77(11): 1715-1719.

Timo Prange, Frederick J Derksen, John A Stick, Fernando L Garcia-Pereira, and Elisabeth A Carr.  2011. Cervical Vertebral Canal Endoscopy in the Horse: Intra- and Post-Operative Observations.  Equine Vet J.  43(4): 404-411.

Timo Prange, Frederick J Derksen, John A Stick, and Fernando L Garcia-Pereira.  2011. Endoscopic anatomy of the cervical vertebral canal in the horse-a cadaver study.  Equine Vet J.  43(3): 317-323.

Andre C Shih(&), Alessio Vigani(&), N Loring(&), Pereira FG, M Szarowicz(&), and Carsten Bandt(&).  2010. Cardiopulmonary effects of a new impedance threshold device in anesthetized hypotensive dogs.  Vet Anaesth and Analg. 37(3): 215-221.

Fernando L Garcia-Pereira, Joseph Hauptman, Andre C Shih, Sharon E Laird, and Anthony Pease.  2010. Evaluation of electric neurostimulation to confirm the correct placement of lumbosacral epidural injections in dogs.  Am J Vet Res. 71(2): 157-160.

Fernando Lucio Garcia-Pereira, Stephen Anthony Greene(&), Robert D Keegan(&), and Margaret-Mary McEwen(&).  2007. Effects of intravenous butorphanol on cardiopulmonary function in isoflurane-anesthetized alpacas. Vet Anaesth and Analg.  34(4): 269-274.

Fernando Lucio Garcia Pereira, Stephen Anthony Greene(&), Margaret-Mary McEwen(&), and Robert D Keegan(&).  2006. Analgesia and anesthesia in Camelids.  Small Ruminant Res.  61(2): 227-233.

Raul Girio(&), Fernando Lucio Garcia Pereira, and Matias Marchiori Filho.  2004. Investigation of antibodies to Leptospira spp. in wild and feral animals from the region of Nhecolandia, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Use of immunohistochemistry technique for the agent detection. Original title: “Pesquisa de anticorpos contra Leptospira spp. em animais silvestres e em estado feral da regiao da Nhecolandia, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil. Utilizacao da tecnica de imunoistoquimica para a deteccao do agente.  Ciencia Rural. 34(1): 165-169.

Fernando Lucio Garcia Pereira, Andrew Allen(&), A Anouassi(&), and Ahmed Tibary(&).  2004. Parainguinal cryptorchidectomy under general anaesthesia in a Bactrian Camel (Camelus bactrianus).  J Camel Pract and Res.  11(2): 103-107.

Fernando Lucio Garcia Pereira, Carlos Augusto Araujo Valadao(&), Anderson Farias(&), and Luis Kihara(g).  2003. Evaluation of the epidural effects of Amitraz in dogs. Original title: “Avaliacao dos efeitos da aplicacao de amitraz em caes”. Veterinaria Noticias.  9(1): 31-36.

Hospital Manager

Stacy Hicks - PURE - Pet Urgent Response and Emergency | Jacksonville FL

Stacy Hicks

Practice Manager

Stacy Hicks – Practice Manager

Meet our Practice Manager, Stacy Hicks, a dedicated professional who is married with three children and a beloved furry family member, a Boxer mix named Koko. With over 15 years of experience in veterinary practice management, Stacy is an integral part of our team.

Stacy is passionate about providing exceptional care to our clients’ pets and ensuring the smooth operation of our clinic. With her excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, she manages the day-to-day operations of our clinic and supervises our staff. She has a friendly and welcoming personality, making her approachable to clients and team members alike.

Outside of work, Stacy enjoys spending quality time with her family and being crafty!

2012 Business Administration – FLORIDA STATE COLLEGE OF JACKSONVILLE

2015-2022 – Human Resources Manager– Capital Veterinary Specialists

2013-2015 – Practice Manager– Switzerland Animal Hospital

2005-2012 – Front Desk Manager-Affiliated Veterinary Specialists

2005-2008 – Front Desk Receptionist- Animal ER

2002-2008 – Kennel Technician and Veterinarian Assistant-Companion Animal Hospital

Technicians

Taylor Lydell

Licensed Vet Tech

Taylor Lydell – Licensed Vet Tech

Taylor is a Licensed Veterinary Technician originally from Long Island, New York. She moved to Florida over a year ago. Her passion for animals began at a young age, and she graduated from the Veterinary Science and Technology program at Suffolk Community College in 2022. Taylor started her career in veterinary medicine in general practice back in 2018. She has now decided to start a new journey in emergency medicine. At home, she has a 2-year-old cat named Kevin Whiskers. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, hiking, taking spin classes, and going on spontaneous adventures. Taylor is so excited to be a part of PURE and to grow as a technician!

Rebecca Molino - Vet Tech

Rebecca Molino

Licensed Vet Tech

Rebecca Molino – Licensed Vet Tech

Meet Rebecca, a licensed Veterinary Nurse from Ohio with nearly 8 years of experience. Originally a feral farm kid in California, her passion for animals took root early on. Starting with large animals and exotics, Rebecca has since shifted her focus to companion animal medicine. Having settled in Jacksonville for the past 2 years, she’s now embarking on a new journey in emergency room care. Her areas of expertise and passion include anesthesia, canine behavior, and nutrition. At home, Rebecca shares her life with 3 dogs (Hank, Ranger, and Danger — pictured), 2 chickens, and a duck named Walter. When not at work, she enjoys camping, hunting, and relaxing at the beach. Rebecca is excited about her professional growth and future at PURE!

Lina Rachal, Vet Tech

Lina Rachal

Vet Tech

Lina Rachal – Vet Tech

Meet Lina Rachal, a vet tech working towards earning her CVT and biomedical degree. She has worked in the veterinary field since 2022 but has known she wanted to help animals all her life. Starting from volunteering at shelters when she was younger, she is now working to become a veterinarian. When she is not hard at work or hitting the books, you can find her at the gym, lounging at the beach, traveling to new places, or painting!

Sophia Ross - Vet Tech

Ainsley Hutto

Vet Tech

Ainsley Hutto – Vet Tech

Ainsley recently graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Animal Science, driven by her lifelong passion for animals cultivated through years of competitive horse riding. Her experience at UF’s large animal hospital solidified her career path, and she is eager to begin working with small animals. Ainsley resides in Ponte Vedra with her two cats, Harmony and Rue, and her dog, Callie. Outside of work, she enjoys beach outings, hiking with Callie, and cherishing moments with her family.

Sophia Ross - Vet Tech

Sophia Ross

Vet Tech

Sophia Ross – Vet Tech

Sophia Ross began her journey into Veterinary Medicine in 2021 during her final year in the Marine Corps, also dedicating time to bodybuilding. She takes pride in caring for three dogs and two cats as a devoted fur mom. When Sophia isn’t at the gym or working, she enjoys strumming her guitar, studying, and soaking up the sun at the beach.

Tabitha Vandiver - Vet Tech

Tabitha Bishop

Vet Tech

Tabitha Vandiver – Vet Tech

Tabby’s journey into the veterinary field began in 2020, but her passion for animals and wildlife has been a lifelong affair. She believes in the significance of fostering strong relationships with her patients and their families, understanding that trust and compassion are the foundations of excellent veterinary care. Beyond her work, Tabby enjoys the great outdoors, indulging in activities like fishing, kayaking, and boating.

Katie Young - Vet Tech

Katie Young

Vet Tech

Katie Young – Vet Tech

Katie began her career as a veterinary technician six years ago, but has had a lifelong connection with animals. She has a passion for helping animals and people, and while getting her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Social Welfare from the University of North Florida, she started to work as a technician at a local animal shelter. During her time at the shelter, she took a strong interest in animal behavior and mental health, and following her time there, she began to work in emergency veterinary medicine where she has been for the past several years. She is devoted to bringing love and comfort to every animal she works with, and always makes a point to consider things from the animals perspective in order to truly connect with them and help them heal mentally and physically. She plans to continue helping others in any capacity she can, and is so happy to have found a home in veterinary medicine.

Luis Escoto

Luis Escoto

Vet Tech

Luis Escoto – Vet Tech

Luis was born in Dominican Republic then moved to Florida in 1991. His Early passion for animals led him to do volunteer work for several different rescue and wild life facilities at a young age. Luis started his Veterinary Career in 1999 when he was hired as a Veterinary Technician at Weston Animal Hospital. His love for animals and pet care led him to fulfill multiple roles within the field including general practice, Critical Care and Surgery. Luis is Fear Free certified, has minor in Zoology and is a member of the Everglades Holiday Park community. He believes that by helping pets he is also helping families. During his free time Luis enjoys spending time with his family that include his Wife Amanda his son Jaiden and his fur family that include his two dogs Arya and Jameson and three cats Edgar Allen Poe, Kira and Delila. Additionally, Luis has a passion for wildlife photography and continues to serve the wildlife community helping to rescue, rehabilitate and relocate wildlife in his community.

Hailee Porterfield - Vet Tech Assistant

Hailee Porterfield

Vet Tech Assistant

Hailee Porterfield – Vet Tech Assistant

Meet Hailee Porterfield, a dedicated student at Beachside High School and a member of the Class of 2025. She is entering her fourth year in the Veterinary Science program, driven by a lifelong passion for animals. Hailee feels incredibly fortunate to pursue her dreams in this field. Beyond academics, she enjoys spending time with friends, crocheting, watching movies with her family, and playing with her beloved husky, Skyler.