Veterinarian Overview
Dr. Mark Brown and Central Animal Hospital enjoy a long and happy history together. Born and raised in Florida, Dr. Brown began working in the Central Animal Hospital kennel in 1979 and quickly worked his way up to a veterinary technician position. He then left to earn his undergraduate and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees at Auburn University, after which Central Animal Hospital welcomed him back as an associate veterinarian. After eight years as an associate, Dr. Brown purchased the practice in 1998. At age 18, Dr. Brown was inspired to become a veterinarian by the care and compassion displayed by his family's veterinarian when his beloved pet beagle with whom he'd shared his childhood had to be euthanized. Dr. Brown now strives to treat his patients and clients with the same concern and empathy he experienced as a client years ago. His special interests lie in surgery (soft tissue and orthopedic), advanced dentistry, diagnostic medicine, and canine rehabilitation. In December 2005, he completed the education and examination requirements at University of Tennesse College of Veterinary Medicine's Canine Rehabilitation program and become a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner. In an effort to bring Central Animal Hospital's clients the most up-to-date surgical techniques to increase recovery time with the least amount of pain, Dr. Brown is now certified in an advanced procedure called TTA which is a surgical correction of an injured cranial cruciate ligament in dogs. He is also the first general practitioner in Pinellas County who performs laparoscopic surgery, a less invasive surgical technique performed for spays, ovariectomies, gastropexies, biopsies, and other procedures where rigid endoscopy can be used. He also is permitted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission as a wildlife rehabilitator. He is a three-time recipient of the Florida Veterinary Medical Association's Gold Star Award for outstanding contributions to the field of veterinary medicine. He counts his graduation from veterinary school and his first caesarian section as his most memorable experiences as a veterinarian. Dr. Brown, a self-proclaimed "country boy Florida cracker at heart," likes to fish, hunt, camp, and enjoys most water sports and traveling in his spare time. He's also currently building a diverse butterfly and moth collection. However, Dr. Brown holds his time spent being a good father and husband closest to his heart. Dr. Brown and his family happily share their home with five Boston Terriers: Brother, Bruno, Fancy Face, Tiny Bubbles, and Kevyn.
