When pets experience neurologic issues—from spinal injuries to brain disorders—finding specialized care can be difficult. That’s why Minnesota Veterinary Neurology (MVN) in Columbus, Minnesota, was created. Led by Dr. Missy Carpentier, MVN is the first veterinary hospital in the state dedicated entirely to neurology for animals.
The facility is designed to provide advanced diagnostic and rehabilitation services for pets suffering from neurologic conditions. Equipped with a high-field MRI and a dedicated rehabilitation space featuring an underwater treadmill, MVN offers patients the best chance at recovery and quality of life.
Designing with Nature in Mind
Because the project site included wetlands, thoughtful planning and design were crucial from the start. Widseth provided land surveying, wetland delineation, and site and stormwater design services to ensure the facility’s footprint respected the surrounding environment while meeting state and local regulations.
“We had to relocate the position of the building and its north-south orientation because of the wetlands,” Dr. Carpentier explained. “Widseth was really instrumental in helping us figure out how to make that work.”
Widseth’s landscape architecture team helped create a welcoming environment for clients and their pets. Meanwhile, electrical engineers designed reliable and efficient systems to power the advanced medical imaging and rehabilitation equipment inside.
Collaboration That Makes a Difference
From early planning to final design, clear communication and collaboration guided the process. “Widseth was great to work with,” said Dr. Carpentier. “You were always easy to reach and willing to help.”
With the facility now open, Dr. Carpentier and her team are focused on what matters most—helping patients heal and thrive. “Pets with neurologic disease need care that is immediate, specialized, and continuous. By dedicating our hospital solely to this area of medicine, we can provide a level of expertise, technology and focus that hasn’t been available in Minnesota before,” said Dr. Carpentier. “Our goal is to give pets the best chance at recovery, while giving families peace of mind.”
Watch the video below to hear Dr. Carpentier share more about her vision and how Widseth helped make Minnesota Veterinary Neurology a reality.
