April 11, 2025
Photo by Karen Clifford
Jamie Prashek once spent her days caring for otters and polar bears at the Kansas City Zoo, ensuring they were well-fed, active and thriving. Now, she cares for animals in a different way by ensuring they receive the precise medications they need, exactly when they need them.
At the University of Missouri’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Prashek is an essential part of the in-house pharmacy at the Veterinary Health Center, where her pharmacy expertise plays a crucial role in animal care. The pharmacy is a fast-paced, critical hub where medications are delivered quickly, accurately and, in many cases, specially compounded for patients in need.
“Every second counts when a pet is in crisis,” Prashek said. “For critical care cases, we’re here to ensure they get the medications they need right away — whether they’re being discharged or staying with us for further treatment.”
While many other veterinary practices rely on external pharmacies, often facing delays, the in-house pharmacy at Mizzou’s Veterinary Health Clinic provides immediate access to medication. Whether it’s a dog recovering from surgery or a cat in need of emergency care, the pharmacy ensures that patients receive essential treatments without the wait.
There’s also a focus on personalization.
“For medications that aren’t commercially available, we have the ability to compound them in-house,” Prashek said. “This allows us to tailor dosages to meet individual patient needs, without the delays of sending prescriptions to an outside pharmacy and waiting for shipment.”
Prashek and her team are a trusted resource for the center’s veterinarians — working closely together to ensure each animal gets the safest and most effective treatments possible.
“Veterinarians have a lot to focus on when diagnosing and treating patients,” Prashek said. “My team is here to help by answering questions about medications, so they can make the best decisions for these animals.”
Read more from the College of Veterinary Medicine
