Dr. Claudia Kabakchiev studied veterinary medicine at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) prior to working in small animal practice and volunteering at an animal shelter. During her years working in companion animal primary care, she developed a passion for treating and working with exotic species. She started a specialty internship followed by a residency program in Zoological Companion Animal Medicine at the Ontario Veterinary College in 2015. She graduated from the joint ABVP (Avian) and ACZM-accredited programs, simultaneously earning a Doctor of Veterinary Science degree in 2019. During her time at OVC, Dr. Kabakchiev had the opportunity to train at the Toronto Zoo, to work with several wildlife species, and provide care for unconventional pet species. She also completed a thesis in laparoscopic surgery of pet rabbits and is keen to further develop this field. Dr. Kabakchiev has presented research at numerous international conferences and has contributed to the Zoological Companion Animal medical literature.

Dr. Kabakchiev has a particular passion for avian medicine and owns three pet birds of her own. She provides medical and surgical procedures for most exotic companion species, including small mammals (ex. rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, rodents, etc.), birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Please contact the hospital to determine if your pet can be admitted as a patient.

Outside of work, Dr. Kabakchiev can be found spending time with her husband, son, and their 2 cockatiels and green-cheeked conure. She enjoys dancing, traveling, and baking.

Education

  • DVM, Ontario Veterinary College, Guelph ON – (2011)
  • DVSc, Ontario Veterinary College, Guelph ON – (2019)

Advanced Clinical Training

  • Avian and Exotic Animal Specialty Internship, Ontario Veterinary College, Guelph ON – (2015-2016)
  • Zoological Companion Animal Medicine and Surgery Residency, Ontario Veterinary College, Guelph ON – (2016-2019)

Areas of Special Interest

  • Diagnostic endoscopy and laparoscopic surgery
  • Anaesthesia and analgesia of zoological companion animal species 

Publications

  • C. Kabakchiev, A. zur Linden, A. Singh, H. Beaufrère (2020) Effects of intra-abdominal pressure on laparoscopic working space in domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). AJVR. 81(1): 77-83.
  • H. Beaufrère, D. Laniesse, C. Kabakchiev, R. Axelson, A. zur Linden (2019) Multiple fractures and luxations of palatofacial bones in a hawk-headed parrot (Deroptyus accipitrinus). JAVMA. 254(2): 251-256.
  • C. Kabakchiev, D. Laniesse, F. James, A. zur Linden, E. Brouwer, H. Beaufrère (publication pending) Diagnosis and long-term management of post-traumatic seizures in a white-crowned pionus (Pionus senilis). JAVMA.