Our veterinarians are exceptionally skilled at using their training to diagnose, treat and help prevent disease in your pet.   They are there to answer any of your questions regarding your pets health and to make recommendations to keep your pet healthy and happy.

Dr. Susan Wylegala

Dr. Susan Wylegala

Veterinarian

Dr. Wylegala is the owner of the Cheektowaga Veterinary Hospital, and is a native of Buffalo, NY.  In 1981 she received her Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from the University of Rochester.  Dr. Wylegala received her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell in 1988.  She has worked at the Cheektowaga Veterinary Hospital since her graduation from Cornell.  Dr. Wylegala was honored to be the 2016 President of the New York State Veterinary Medical Society.  Dr. Wylegala was given the distinct honor of being awarded the 2017 New York State Veterinarian of the Year award by the New York State Veterinary Medical Society. She is active in numerous veterinary organizations, and is a past president of the Board of Directors of the Veterinary Emergency Clinic in Buffalo, NY.  Dr. Wylegala is a Past President of the Western New York Veterinary Medical Association and has received two Regional Merit Awards from the WNYVMA.  She serves as a conference chair for the New York State Veterinary Conference.  Dr. Wylegala has served on the Dean's Advisory Council for the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell.  Dr. Wylegala currently serves as the New York State delegate for the AVMA.  She is a regular guest on A.M. Buffalo's "Pet Talk" segment [WKBW Channel 7, Buffalo, NY].

Dr. Wylegala shares her home with her one eyed wonder cat named Josie.  While not working, she enjoys cycling, boxing and gardening.

Dr. Kathleen Murnan

Dr. Kathleen Murnan

Veterinarian

A native of Tonawanda, Dr. Kathleen Murnan is a Kenmore East graduate. Dr. Murnan also attended Cornell University and received her B.S. Degree in Biology as part of her undergraduate studies in 1983. After finishing her undergraduate degree, Dr. Murnan continued her education by attending Cornell University’s School of Veterinary Medicine. She was then awarded her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 1989. During her time at Cornell, Dr. Murnan was also a member of the Phi Zeta Honor Society. Dr. Murnan is a current member to the Western New York Chapter of the New York State Veterinary Society, and the Niagara Frontier Veterinary Medical Society. Dr. Murnan has volunteered her services at Rabies Clinics, and has volunteered at the SPCA performing spays and neuters.

Dr. Murnan has been part of the Cheektowaga staff since 2008.  Dr. Murnan has a special interest in emergency medicine and critical care. She also enjoys performing soft tissue surgeries.  When she is not at work, Dr. Murnan is still working hard taking of her family. Married to Dr. Gerald Mechor, they both spend their free time taking their son, Cade, to hockey for the Buffalo Junior Sabres.  Dr. Murnan enjoys horseback riding, skiing, gardening, and reading. She also loves to spend time with her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel-KiKi, her Beagle/Shepard Mix-Krissy, her cat-Tat, and with Rocco-her cockatiel.

Dr. James Dircksen

Dr. James Dircksen

Dr. Dircksen is originally from the Fort Wayne, Indiana area. He graduated from Purdue University in 2013 with a B.S. in Animal Sciences, and went on to graduate in 2017 from Purdue’s College of Veterinary Medicine, making him the 3rd generation of veterinarians in his family. During part of his time in Fort Wayne after receiving his D.V.M, he served as the Treasurer of the Northeast Indiana Veterinary Medical Association, and also worked as a relief veterinarian at the local emergency and speciality hospital. Dr. Dircksen is a fear-free certified veterinarian, striving to make animals feel as calm and relaxed as possible when under his care. He has special interests in feline medicine, oncology, dermatology, and dentistry.

Dr. Dircksen, along with his wife Christina, have a son, Oliver, an English Shepherd named Sidney, his cat Rosie, and a chinchilla named Tacos. In his free time, he enjoys snow skiing, hiking, kayaking, team sports, and playing guitar and piano. He is currently serving as a board member of the Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society and is a facilitator for the Veterinary Explorers Group.

 

Dr. Jesse Prinsloo

Dr. Jesse Prinsloo

Veterinarian

Dr.Prinsloo is originally from South Africa. She moved to Seattle Washington in 2014 where she attended Bellevue College to complete her pre-requisites for veterinary school. She went on to graduate from Washington State’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2022. During veterinary school Dr.Prinsloo was president of the canine club and was part of the small animal hospital’s transfusion team. This role included recruiting and maintaining canine and feline blood donors and  collecting and processing blood products.

She spent her first year out of veterinary school  practicing at a private small animal practice in Sammamish Washington. It was here she realized  her interests include cytology, clinical pathology, internal medicine and cardiology. Her partner, Ryan, is originally from Buffalo New York and they made the decision to move across the country to be closer to family. Together they have 2 dogs, a German shepherd named Lulu and a husky, beagle,lab mix named Kye. In her free time Dr.Prinsloo enjoys spending time with family, running, hiking/walking with  the dogs and exploring local coffee shops, eateries and breweries.

She is very excited to join the team at Cheektowaga Veterinary Hospital and looks forward to building lasting relationships with her patients and their parents alike!