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About Us
Indigo Vets stands as a beacon of excellence in the realm of veterinary care, offering an array of comprehensive services tailored to meet the unique needs of both clinics and their cherished patients. Specializing in exotic species, our seasoned team of veterinarians and specialists bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table, serving as invaluable partners in the pursuit of optimal health and wellness for exotic animals.
What We Do
At the heart of our mission lies a commitment to providing unparalleled support to veterinary clinics through written, verbal, and virtual consultations. Whether it's navigating complex clinical cases or strategizing long-term care plans, our team is dedicated to working hand-in-hand with clinic staff to ensure that every patient receives the highest standard of care.
One of our flagship offerings is our video consultation service, which provides clinics with direct access to our specialists for both surgical and clinical cases. Through real-time virtual consultations, our experts collaborate closely with clinic teams, offering invaluable insights and guidance every step of the way.
But our involvement goes beyond mere consultation – we strive to become an integral part of each clinic's team, offering support in designing, structuring, and building robust exotic animal medicine practices. From case strategy management to implementation and ongoing support, our comprehensive approach is designed to empower clinic teams and enhance their capabilities with each case they encounter.
Moreover, our commitment to excellence extends to the individual level, with our experienced veterinarians and specialists providing personalized recommendations and consultations for every patient. Whether it's devising tailored treatment plans or interpreting diagnostic results, our team is dedicated to ensuring that each patient receives the individualized care and attention they deserve.
Our Vision
In essence, Indigo Vets is more than just a consultancy service – we are partners in the pursuit of excellence in veterinary care. Through our unwavering dedication, comprehensive services, and unwavering commitment to patient well-being, we stand ready to support veterinary clinics in their mission to provide the highest standard of care for exotic species.
Marie Rush, DVM, DACZM
Dr. Marie Rush's illustrious career in veterinary medicine is a testament to her dedication to wildlife and exotic animal care. After earning her BS in Animal and Dairy Sciences and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University, she completed a prestigious rotating medicine and surgery internship at the Animal Medical Center (AMC) in New York City. Her residency in clinical zoo and wildlife medicine and surgery at the Wildlife Conservation Society, with specialized training in diagnostic imaging at AMC, set the stage for a remarkable journey.
Dr. Rush served as the Director of Veterinary Services and Curator of Ectotherms at the Birmingham Zoo until late 2007. She then joined Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine as an Assistant Professor, where she also served as the veterinarian for the Southeastern Raptor Center. Her collaborative efforts with the Environmental Institute at Auburn University and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources/Fish and Wildlife Services on a decade-long project to repatriate Eastern Indigo snakes to the southeastern United States highlight her commitment to conservation.
As a veterinary advisor for the Species Survival Plan (SSP) for Chinese Alligators, Dr. Rush has made significant contributions to the field. In 2009, she became an Associate Professor at St. George's University's School of Veterinary Medicine, where she taught zoo and exotic animal medicine and coordinated wildlife research. After nearly ten years, she retired from full-time academia but remains a visiting professor and senior research fellow at the Windward Islands Research and Education Foundation, continuing her conservation research in Grenada.
Since 2015, Dr. Rush has been a vital member of the Antech Imaging Services team, specializing in telemedicine and diagnostic imaging interpretation for zoo, wildlife, and exotic animal species. She is also an associate editor for the Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine and a reviewer for multiple peer-reviewed journals. With over 25 publications, two book chapters, and 15 peer-reviewed presentations, her expertise is widely recognized.
Dr. Rush's commitment to education extends beyond her roles in academia and research. She continues to work in private practice, teaches at multiple veterinary schools, and serves as a consulting clinical veterinarian at various zoos. She takes great pride in mentoring others and sees every day as an opportunity to learn and inspire.
In her free time, Dr. Rush enjoys hiking, wildlife photography, art, and attending cultural events. She also loves spending time with her family and cheering for Auburn football and basketball.
Dr. Rush's unwavering dedication to conservation medicine, research, and education continues to inspire passion for the natural world in all who meet her.
Julie Napier, DVM
Dr. Julie Napier's career journey is as inspiring as it is diverse. Her initial 9-year tenure with the Walt Disney Company, including involvement in the planning of Disney's Animal Kingdom, combined with her lifelong passion for animals and conservation, led her to pursue her dream of becoming an exotic, zoo, and wildlife veterinarian. In 1999, she graduated from Iowa State College of Veterinary Medicine and began her career in a small animal, exotic, and emergency clinic. She soon transitioned to her first role as an associate veterinarian in a zoo.
Over the past 20 years, Dr. Napier has held esteemed positions at various zoological facilities, including Disney's Animal Kingdom, Franklin Park Zoo in Boston, Potawatomi Zoo in South Bend, Indiana, and concluded her full-time zoo medicine career as the Senior Veterinarian at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in 2019. Since then, she has continued to practice both domestic and exotic pet medicine, as well as zoo and wildlife medicine, in a consulting capacity.
Dr. Napier boasts extensive experience with a wide array of species, including birds, reptiles, amphibians, rabbits, rodents, guinea pigs, ferrets, pot-bellied pigs, goats, primates, aquatics, and numerous zoo and wildlife species. Her dedication to the field extends beyond clinical practice, having participated in field projects in Madagascar, Belize, South Africa, Botswana, and Nevada. She has also authored numerous book chapters and scientific papers and served as a past president of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians from 2018-2019, vice-chair of the AZA Scientific Veterinary Advisory Group Steering Committee, the SSP co-vet advisor for all tiger species, SSP vet advisor for Amur and generic leopards, SSP vet advisor for prehensile-tailed porcupines, and the editor of the “Infectious Diseases of Captive and Free Ranging Animals in North America” 1st edition, now in its third printing on the AAZV website.
Her special interests lie in geriatric medicine, nutrition, husbandry, and animal welfare. Outside of her professional life, Dr. Napier enjoys reading, traveling, volunteering, and spending time outdoors, especially camping with her dogs in state or national parks. As an avid conservationist, she has rescued 24 senior and unwanted dogs to date, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to animal welfare.
Paige Obrig - Founder | Creator
Paige Obrig is the visionary Founder and Creator of Indigo Vets. With over seven years of experience as a successful practice owner of a combined domestic and exotic animal emergency practice, Paige brings a wealth of expertise to her innovative veterinary consultancy.
Throughout her career, Paige has managed and grown numerous successful veterinary practices, always maintaining a strong focus on quality of care and exceptional customer service. Her passion for veterinary medicine and commitment to advancing the field have been the driving forces behind the establishment of Indigo Vets.
At Indigo Vets, Paige's mission is to provide unparalleled support and guidance to veterinary professionals, ensuring they can deliver the highest standard of care to their patients. Her extensive background in both domestic and exotic animal care, combined with her dedication to fostering excellence in veterinary practice, makes her a trusted leader and advocate in the veterinary community.