Katherine B. Chope, VMD

Dr. Katherine “Kate” Chope brings a strong expertise in clinical ultrasound use to her work as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine’s Large Animal Hospital. Prior to joining the faculty at Tufts, Dr. Chope earned her bachelor’s degree from Brown University and her Veterinary Medical Doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania, where she also undertook a fellowship in equine cardiology and served as an academic lecturer. Dr. Chope is one of the few academically trained veterinary ultrasonographers who specialize exclusively in large animal ultrasound, and she appreciates the access to state-of-the-art ultrasound equipment that the Hospital for Large Animals provides.

As a child, Dr. Chope grew up admiring the veterinarian who tended to the barn animals in her hometown. Coupled with a passion for science and a lifelong interest in animals, her admiration led her to become a veterinarian.

Dr. Chope was drawn to ultrasound imaging because, unlike other diagnostic modalities (such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI, all of which the Cummings School offers for equine and camelid patients), ultrasound can be done on any part of a horse’s body—allowing for a more versatile and very cost-effective tool when making a diagnosis. Dr.Chope loves a challenge, and especially enjoys working with clients to make a confirmed diagnosis in complicated lameness and internal medicine cases.

Since joining the faculty in 2003, Dr. Chope has contributed a chapter on congenital cardiac disease to Dr. Mary Rose Paradis’ book Equine Neonatal Medicine. In addition she has lectured at both national and international equine conferences, including meetings in France and Colombia.

She has owned, ridden and shown horses almost her entire life. She currently owns two horses, Henry and Savannah, and has three children, Jose, Katerina, and Olivia, with her husband, Dr. Jose Garcia-Lopez. (Source)