Our Team

Dr. Robert Esplin founded Sylvania Veterinary Hospital in 1974. He and his wife Carol committed their lives to the practice, their family, and the Sylvania community. Over the years, as the practice grew, they raised four children, Tricia, Matt, Kevin and Tim.

After graduating from OSU in 1970 Bob and Carol were married and moved to Madison, WI where he joined a multi-doctor small animal practice. After learning the ropes of practice from two experienced vets, Joe Donovan and Morrie Link, Dr. Bob decided it was time to go out on his own. The Donavan Veterinary Hospital was ahead of its time as it was one of the first AAHA certified practices in the mid-west.  The starting point of AAHA excellence influenced Dr. Bob in how he planned to operate his new practice. Dr. Bob and Carol made the move back home to undertake the scary proposition of opening a brand new veterinary hospital.

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Dr. Ray has known he was meant to work in the veterinary field since he 14. At this time, he began shadowing, and then working for, his mentor Dr. Charles Sung in his hometown of Hubbard, Ohio. He began as a Veterinary Assistant and stayed until 2004 when he left to start undergraduate studies at Ohio State University. From there, he graduated cum laude with a BS in Biology in 2008. He went on to graduate from Vet school with his DVM in 2012. By the time he graduated, he had been published in Authors of Tomorrow, co-authored a manuscript regarding canine fresh plasma compared to frozen plasma for use in transfusions that was published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. While in school, he was a member of SCAVMA (Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association), OVMA (Ohio Veterinary Medical Association), AAZA (American Association of Zoo Veterinarians), and VBMA (Veterinary Business Management Association). During this time, he played guitar in a local band and continues to play in his free time. He joined our staff in August of 2014 after previously working in Portsmouth, Ohio (where he originally met Dr. Nicole). His current professional memberships include the AVMA, OVMA, TVMA (Toledo Veterinary Medical Association), AAHA (American Animal Hospital Associaion), and IVAPM (International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management). His interests include ultrasonography, cardiology, internal medicine, hematology, pain management, critical care, and staff education. He has a passion for teaching and furthering veterinary education with anyone who comes through our doors, from shadowing vet students, staff members and clients. Dr. Ray is actively involved in our Memories Live On Foundation, judging the regional science fair, and speaking at career days. His personal interests include music production and recording, guitar, Cleveland sports teams, travelling, and exploring local sights and restaurants. He has three cats (Peeta, Benjamin, and Almond) and two hamsters (Walter and Hedwig). Dr. Ray's knowledge, and willingness to teach, has been a great addition to our team. 

Our newest addition to the team is Dr. Kristen Sauty. Dr. Kristen grew up in Dayton, Ohio and earned her bachelor’s degree at Muskingum University where she majored in Biology, Neuroscience, and Molecular Biology. She graduated from the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2015 and has many interests, including animal behavior and dentistry. Her spare time is devoted to family (including the 4-legged ones), improving her Spanish and French language skills, and martial arts.