About

Kursten Pierce is associated with the College of Veterinary Medicine at NC State University, where she is involved in student engagement and the broader academic community. Her role includes fostering a lively campus environment that emphasizes student achievement, well-being, and extracurricular development. She is dedicated to supporting students through various programs and initiatives, including study abroad opportunities, research projects, and community building activities. Her work reflects a commitment to nurturing future veterinarians who are inquisitive, empathetic, and ethically driven, contributing to the college's mission of shaping the future of veterinary medicine.

Research topics

• Medicine
• Surgery
• Internal medicine
• Cardiology
• Radiology
• Anesthesia

Selected publications

• Detecting cardiac troponin I (cTnI) in cardiac tissue of reptiles with two different immunoassays

  Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine · 2025-12-31

  articleOpen access

  Cardiac troponin I (cTnI), a cardiac-specific biomarker used to detect myocardial injury in mammals, has only undergone cursory investigation in reptiles. This study’s objectives were to determine feasibility of cTnI detection in reptilian cardiac tissue, skeletal muscle, and plasma utilizing two different immunoassays, and compare tissue concentrations between immunoassays and taxonomic groups (chelonians, lizards, snakes). Tissue homogenates were created and total protein concentrations determined from cardiac tissue and skeletal muscle collected from 30 individual reptiles representing 25 different species. Heparinized plasma was collected from seven reptiles. Samples were analyzed on both point-of-care (i-STAT) and high-sensitivity (ADVIA) immunoassays when feasible, and standardized concentrations compared between sample type, immunoassay, and taxonomic group. cTnI was detected above the lower limit of detection (LoD) in cardiac tissues from 24/25 species on the i-STAT and 22/22 species on the ADVIA. Only one sample produced analyzer error, occurring on the i-STAT. Cardiac tissue had significantly higher cTnI in chelonians ( p adj = 0.034) and lizards ( p adj = 0.049) than snakes on the i-STAT, and in chelonians than both lizards ( p adj = 0.015) and snakes ( p adj < 0.01) on the ADVIA. The i-STAT and ADVIA had poor agreement for cardiac tissue samples. Most skeletal muscle samples reported analyzer error (20/30) or concentrations below the LoD (9/30) on the i-STAT. On the ADVIA all skeletal muscle samples were above the LoD (25/25), and four snakes had higher cTnI concentrations in skeletal muscle than cardiac tissue. All plasma samples had detectable cTnI on both immunoassays, but most on the i-STAT were below the LoD. At least 22 reptile species have detectable cTnI in cardiac tissue on two different immunoassays. Due to variability between taxonomic groups and immunoassays, establishment of both species-specific and assay-specific reference intervals are warranted for clinical utility.

  PublisherDOI

• Radiation Exposure During Contrast‐Enhanced Videofluoroscopic Swallow Studies in Dogs and Cats

  Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound · 2025-09-01

  articleOpen accessSenior authorCorresponding

  Contrast-enhanced videofluoroscopic swallow studies are considered the gold standard diagnostic for determining underlying etiologies of dysphagia. Swallow studies are commonly performed procedures utilizing fluoroscopy in which personnel are exposed to ionizing radiation. The study objective was to document radiation exposure to individual personnel involved in performing gastrointestinal swallow studies in dogs and cats, compare radiation exposure based on the localization of disease, and evaluate radiation exposure based on the experience (i.e., year of training) of the diagnostic imaging resident. This prospective observational study population was comprised of 61 client-owned animals, 58 dogs and 3 cats, presenting to a university teaching hospital over 8 months. Dose was evaluated for positions/roles: position 1 (personnel feeding/at patient head), position 2/3 (restraining), and position 4 (image acquisition). Patient characteristics, diagnosis(es), fluoroscopy time, radiation dose, and personnel positions were recorded. A linear mixed effects model was utilized for statistical analysis. Radiation dose based on anatomic disease location (e.g., cricopharyngeal, esophageal, gastroesophageal, none) was not statistically significant (p = .438). Th effect of personnel position (p < .001) and fluoroscopy time (p = .005) was statistically significant. The lowest median radiation dose was for personnel acquiring images (position 4), estimated at 16.38 µSv. The highest median radiation dose was for personnel feeding patients (position 1), estimated at 48.13 µSv. Unsurprisingly, personnel positioned closer to the radiation source during contrast-enhanced videofluoroscopic swallow studies were exposed to higher radiation doses. Personnel should be aware of this occupational hazard. Rotation of personnel roles (e.g., feeding, restraining, image acquisition) should be considered to limit dose to specific personnel.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Feasibility of Near-Infrared Image Guided Vascular Identification and Access in Dogs

  Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine · 2025-05-01

  articleOpen accessSenior authorCorresponding

  BACKGROUND: Use of real-time imaging with near-infrared (NIR) light technology to assist with gaining vascular access in humans is increasingly common. There is a lack of research on the NIR imaging modality in animals. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To assess the feasibility of NIR vessel finding technology at vascular sites in a cohort of dogs, between shaved and unshaved fur, and under conditions of vasoconstriction. ANIMALS: 6 healthy, adult dogs (three beagles, three hounds) in a university teaching colony. METHODS: 5 peripheral vascular sites were imaged before and after shaving. Images were scored based on the following criteria: not feasible (0), feasible (1), helpful but not feasible as sole guidance (2). Each vascular site was re-imaged after intravenous administration of dexmedetomidine. RESULTS: The left medial saphenous, right cephalic, and right lateral saphenous veins were the most feasibly identified vessels (18/18, 17/18, and 15/18, respectively). The effects of dexmedetomidine administration (p = 0.5 at 20 cm; p = 0.78 at 26 cm) and fur color (p = 0.25 at 20 cm; p = 0.50 at 26 cm) on the feasibility of vessel imaging were not statistically significant. However, a significant difference between shaved and unshaved areas was identified when directly compared at 20 cm (p = 0.04). The external jugular vein was less reliably identified (6/18 and 5/18 in sternal and lateral recumbency, respectively), and the left femoral artery was not identified (0/18). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Use of NIR imaging for identification of superficial, peripheral veins is feasible in healthy beagles and hounds, regardless of shaving and administration of dexmedetomidine. This technology could be useful in other clinical scenarios.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Cocaine induced first-degree and high-grade second-degree atrioventricular block in a dog: a case report

  Frontiers in Veterinary Science · 2025-08-18

  articleOpen accessSenior authorCorresponding

  Background: Common cocaine-induced arrhythmias include tachyarrhythmias such as sinus tachycardia, supraventricular tachycardia, and atrial fibrillation. Most studies evaluating cocaine toxicosis in canines have been performed in an experimental setting, using intravenous administration of the drug. Though helpful, these studies cannot be directly extrapolated in a clinical setting given the different routes of administration. Case details: A 2-year-old male-neutered Chihuahua presented for further management of acute onset of lethargy and a transient episode of unresponsiveness. Initial point of care ECG was consistent with an underlying sinus bradycardia with concurrent first-degree AV block and intermittent high-grade second-degree AV block. No murmur was noted on thoracic auscultation. Normal sinus rhythm returned after administration of atropine and epinephrine. Upon referral to a different facility for pacemaker implantation, sinus tachycardia was appreciated on point of care ECG without evidence of supraventricular or ventricular ectopy. On cardiac focused point of care ultrasound there was normal heart function and structure with no evidence of congenital heart defects. Both cardiac troponin and NT-proBNP were within normal limits. Urine toxicology was positive for cocaine, cocaine metabolites, norfentanyl and trace amounts of fentanyl. The patient was hospitalized overnight on telemetry, during which time infrequent ventricular premature complexes were the only abnormalities noted. The patient was discharged the following day. Conclusion: Cocaine-induced AV block in canines is an unusual presentation in a clinical setting, given the sympathetic stimulation this drug commonly causes. Emergency veterinary clinicians should be aware of this rare but important electrocardiographic abnormality following cocaine toxicosis.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Point-of-Care Cardiac Troponin I Assay Evaluation in New Zealand White Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

  Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science · 2024-09-05 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access

  Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is a cardiac-specific biomarker, used for the detection of myocardial injury. While rabbits develop naturally occurring cardiovascular disease, they are also an animal model for human disease; thus, rapid detection of cTnI has implications for both veterinary and human medicine. The objective of this study was to validate and establish a reference interval for a point-of-care (POC) cTnI assay in New Zealand White rabbits. In the first portion of the study, rabbit cardiac and skeletal muscle tissues were used to create homogenates, serially diluted with saline or rabbit whole blood, and run by repeated analysis on the POC assay. In the second portion of the study, a reference interval of peripheral whole blood cTnI was determined by robust methods from 49 New Zealand White rabbits. The least diluted cardiac muscle homogenates produced detectable cTnI (mean 23.12 ± 3.557 ng/mL), while skeletal muscle homogenates produced low to undetectable cTnI. The CV ranged from 0.00% to 32.51% for cTnI of diluted cardiac muscle homogenates. Rabbit cardiac homogenate diluted in blood had a linear relationship to cTnI concentration (Y = 0.2254 × X + 0.5396, R2 = 0.975). The reference interval for cTnI in this population was less than 0.04 ng/mL. This POC assay may be useful when rapid detection of cTnI is needed and differentiation between normal and elevated values is required. Given the high CV, this assay may not be appropriate for cases that require high sensitivity or detection of low concentrations of cTnI.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Case report: Severe hepatopathy following rivaroxaban administration in a dog

  Frontiers in Veterinary Science · 2024

  Senior authorCorresponding
  • Medicine
  • Internal medicine
  • Anesthesia

  Rivaroxaban, a specific factor Xa inhibitor and commonly utilized anticoagulant, has been known to cause hepatotoxicity and liver failure in humans. Although rivaroxaban is frequently used in veterinary medicine, hepatotoxicity has not been previously reported in dogs. The current case report describes a dog that developed severe hepatopathy following rivaroxaban administration for a large right pulmonary artery thrombus. An estimated 6-year-old spayed female mixed-breed dog developed anorexia and lethargy 9 days after rivaroxaban administration began. Subsequent labwork revealed severe hepatocellular hepatopathy, and rivaroxaban was discontinued. Additional diagnostics did not reveal an underlying etiology, although hepatic cytology could be consistent with a toxic injury. The hepatopathy and clinical signs improved after rivaroxaban was discontinued. The time to onset, type of hepatopathy, and time to resolution were all similar to those reported for human cases. This case provides precedence to advocate for improved and closer monitoring of dogs receiving factor Xa inhibitors. In cases of suspected hepatotoxicity with no other identifiable cause, a risk-benefit analysis should be performed, and discontinuation of rivaroxaban administration or alternative anticoagulant medications should be considered.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Cardiovascular disease in central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps): 54 cases (2007–2022)

  American Journal of Veterinary Research · 2024-02-20 · 3 citations

  articleOpen access

  OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical features, histopathologic lesions, and outcome of cardiovascular disease in central bearded dragons. ANIMALS: 54 bearded dragons. METHODS: Retrospective evaluation of captive bearded dragons with antemortem imaging or postmortem diagnosis of cardiovascular disease from 2007 to 2022 from 6 hospitals. RESULTS: The total prevalence of cardiovascular disease was 3.3% (54/1,655). Physical examination findings were available in 46 cases with change in mentation being the most common finding (n = 28/46 [60.9%]), followed by dehydration (17/46 [37%]), palpable coelomic mass (13/46 [28.3%]), dyspnea (10/46 [21.7%]), and sunken eyes (10/46 [21.7%)]. Doppler auscultation revealed an arrhythmia in 5/34 (14.7%) animals. Diagnostic imaging was only performed on 21 animals, and 10 (47.6%) had cardiovascular abnormalities described. In total, 84 cardiovascular diagnoses were found in 54 animals. The most common diagnosis was myocarditis (n = 14) followed by aneurysms (11), pericardial effusion (9), atherosclerosis (7), epicarditis (7), and myocardial degeneration/necrosis (7). Overall, 62 causes of death were identified in 52 cases, with cardiovascular disease being the most common (n = 18/52 [34.5%]). Only 3/54 animals were diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Animals with aneurysms were more likely to die to due cardiovascular disease compared to other types of cardiovascular diagnoses (OR, 43.75; 95% CI, 4.88 to 392.65; P < .001). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Diagnosis of cardiovascular disease in bearded dragons is challenging given the inconsistent clinical presentation; however, it should remain a differential in animals with nonspecific signs of illness. Antemortem diagnostics are recommended in suspected cases, including diagnostic imaging. Of the cardiovascular diseases described, aneurysms most often contributed to clinical demise.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Treatment of high-output cardiac failure secondary to anemia in three cats

  Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery Open Reports · 2023-01-01 · 2 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Case series summary Three cats presented for clinical signs of respiratory distress and varying etiologies of anemia. Echocardiograms revealed evidence of cardiac dilation without other significant structural or functional heart disease. Thoracic imaging via point-of-care ultrasound and/or radiographs confirmed evidence of volume overload by pleural effusion. Each cat was diagnosed with presumed high-output cardiac failure secondary to anemia. Mainstays of treatment included controlling congestion and correcting the anemia with transfusions in the short-term while addressing the underlying etiology of the anemia in the long-term. Relevance and novel information Reports, treatment and management of high-output failure in the veterinary literature are limited. Extrapolating from human medicine, cats presenting with anemia and findings consistent with volume overload will benefit from treatment of their anemia to reduce neuroendocrine activation and the associated sodium and water retention. Therefore, blood transfusion should neither be avoided nor delayed in anemic cats with changes consistent with volume overload and congestive heart failure.

  PublisherDOI

• Radiation dose during interventional cardiology procedures: portable C-arm vs. a new generation fluoroscopy system

  Journal of Veterinary Cardiology · 2023-04-06 · 2 citations

  article1st authorCorresponding
  PublisherDOI

• Transcatheter closure of aneurysmal perimembranous ventricular septal defect with the canine duct occluder in two dogs

  Journal of Veterinary Cardiology · 2022 · 6 citations

  • Medicine
  • Internal medicine
  • Cardiology
  PublisherDOI

Frequent coauthors

• Brian A. Scansen

  Colorado State University

  7 shared

• Hillary K. Hammond

  University of Georgia

  4 shared

• John E. Rush

  Tufts University

  2 shared

• Miranda J. Sadar

  Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

  2 shared

• Terry R. Spraker

  Colorado State University

  2 shared

• Rachael Ann H. Lyons

  Colorado State University

  2 shared

• B. J. Sutherland

  University of Georgia

  2 shared

• Ashley C. Brown

  University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

  2 shared

Awards & honors

• Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine…
• Fellow of Interventional Cardiology, American College of Vet…