Kasianova Ilona Rostyslavivna

About the doctor

Ilona Rostyslavivna Kasianova is a veterinarian who focuses on diagnosing and treating diseases in lagomorphs, herbivorous rodents, rats, hamsters, squirrels and other small mammals, including surgical treatment.

She has worked in veterinary medicine since 2018 and has been part of the ELITVET Veterinary Hospital team since 2023. Ilona Rostyslavivna’s professional experience includes work at a specialist exotic animal clinic, specialist internships and the treatment of patients with complex conditions requiring a particular approach to diagnostics, anaesthesia and surgery.

Main areas of professional practice

Ilona Rostyslavivna provides comprehensive veterinary care for small mammals, from preventive examinations and diagnostics to medical and surgical treatment.

In her practice, she pays particular attention to dental disease, one of the most common causes of feeding difficulties, chronic pain and declining overall health in rabbits and rodents. She diagnoses and surgically treats conditions affecting the teeth and jaws, including correcting abnormal tooth growth, treating malocclusion and extracting teeth when medically indicated.

Her main areas of practice also include the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases, middle and inner ear conditions, and reproductive system diseases, including suppurative inflammatory conditions and tumours.

Her surgical practice includes procedures of varying complexity, including diagnostic and therapeutic laparotomies.

She takes a comprehensive approach to diagnosis, using radiography, ultrasound, computed tomography when indicated, complete blood counts and blood biochemistry tests. The scope of investigations is determined individually, taking into account the animal’s species, condition and the characteristics of the disease.

Education and professional development

In 2022, she graduated from Dnipro State Agrarian and Economic University with a master’s degree in Veterinary Medicine.

She continually develops her professional knowledge and attends national veterinary conferences, specialist training programmes and practical internships.

Professional educational events include:

• USAVA School of Veterinary Radiology led by Kateryna Kravchenko.
• USAVA Congress, 2024.
• UEAVA National Conference of Exotic Animal Veterinarians, 2025.
• The Art of Saving Lives Veterinary Conference, 2026.

Professional and educational activities

Ilona Rostyslavivna is a member of USAVA, the All-Ukrainian Union of Veterinarians, and UEAVA, the Ukrainian Association of Exotic Animal Veterinarians.

She is also the founder and a lecturer at the School of Rodent Medicine, established at ELITVET Veterinary Hospital. Through this educational project, she shares practical experience, professional knowledge and modern approaches to diagnosing and treating small mammals with fellow veterinarians.

Professional approach

In her work, Ilona Rostyslavivna combines the principles of evidence-based veterinary medicine with clinical experience and attentive care for every patient.

For her, it is important not only to establish a diagnosis and prescribe treatment, but also to consider the animal’s natural needs, behaviour, sensitivity to stress and housing conditions. Small mammals often hide signs of pain and disease, so even minor changes in their well-being can have considerable clinical significance.

Communication with owners has a special place in her work. She believes that trust, clear explanations and shared decision-making are important parts of successful treatment.

A message to pet owners

“For me, every patient is more than a clinical case: it is a little life that needs attention, care and professional help. I understand how important your pets are to you and how much worry their illness can cause. That is why I always try not only to help the animal, but also to support their owner, explaining what is happening, what treatment options are available and what to expect. Your questions, doubts and concerns matter to me. You and I are one team, with the goal of doing everything possible to help your pet feel better. I believe that quality veterinary medicine begins not only with knowledge and experience, but also with sincere care for every life.”