About

Jordyn Boesch, DVM, PhD, ACVAA, is an Associate Professor in the Section of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine within the Department of Clinical Sciences at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Her research interests include pain assessment and management across all species, with particular focus on interventional pain medicine and chronic pain management, as well as anesthesia of zoo animals and wildlife. Dr. Boesch's work encompasses the physiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology related to pain and anesthesia, especially in captured wildlife. She completed her DVM at Cornell University in 2006, followed by a residency in anesthesiology at Cornell, which she completed in 2010, receiving the Veterinary Class of 1954 Clinical Resident Award. She also earned her PhD from the Department of Paraclinical Sciences at the University of Pretoria, South Africa, in 2020. Her professional experience includes serving as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Veterinary Anesthesia at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine and returning to Cornell as a Lecturer in 2013. Dr. Boesch is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia, a member of the International Society for the Study of Pain, and the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management. She has been recognized with awards such as the SAVMA Teaching Excellence Award in Clinical Sciences in 2015 and the Isidor Sprecher Wildlife Medicine Award in 2006.

Research topics

• Medicine
• Anesthesia
• Surgery
• Cardiology
• Anatomy
• Internal medicine

Selected publications

• Sacrococcygeal epidural injection of morphine and ropivacaine provides analgesia after feline ovariohysterectomy

  American Journal of Veterinary Research · 2026-03-06

  articleOpen access1st authorCorresponding

  Objective: To determine if sacrococcygeal epidural injection (SCEI) provides analgesia after feline ovariohysterectomy (OVH). Methods: Systemically healthy intact cats were randomly assigned to control or epidural groups (n = 29 each). After standard analgesic premedication IM, propofol induction, and OVH under isoflurane, the epidural group underwent SCEI [0.75 mL/kg total volume, 0.1 mg/kg preservative-free morphine, and 0.93 mg/kg preservative-free ropivacaine] using electrolocation. Extubation was 0 hours. A blinded anesthesiologist assessed pain using the Feline Grimace Scale and the short form of the Universidade Estadual Paulista-Botucatu multidimensional pain assessment scale (UFEPS-SF), as well as urination and pelvic limb neurological function, at 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 20 hours. Rescue analgesia consisted of robenacoxib. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses estimated differences between groups in time to rescue analgesia, normal pelvic limb neurological function, and urination. The χ2-association test evaluated the need for robenacoxib. Linear mixed effects models with post hoc Tukey tests compared pain scores between groups and over time. Results: The SCEI had a significant effect on "survival" (robenacoxib unnecessary through 20 hours). Robenacoxib was required in 83% and 21% of cats in the control and epidural groups, respectively. Mean Feline Grimace Scale and (UFEPS-SF) scores were greater in the control group at 1 hour and 1 to 4 hours, respectively. Time to urination was significantly greater in the epidural group. Conclusions: The SCEI provides analgesia for up to 20 hours after OVH but delays urination. Clinical Relevance: The long duration of SCEI is similar to a single dose of an NSAID, providing a useful alternative if these are contraindicated.

  PublisherDOI

• Immobilisation and clinical effects of four drug combinations used to chemically capture white rhinoceros ( <i>Ceratotherium simum</i> )

  Journal of the South African Veterinary Association · 2026-03-01

  articleOpen access

  in the field, but it can also cause extensive metabolic and cardiorespiratory derangements. To potentially reduce the severity of these derangements, etorphine is combined with synergistic drugs including medetomidine (an alpha-2 adrenoreceptor agonist), midazolam (a benzodiazepine agonist), or azaperone (a butyrophenone drug). The potentiation effects of these synergistic drugs are believed to reduce induction times and excitement, induce muscle relaxation, and improve immobilisation quality and safety. To test the benefits of these synergistic drugs, eight healthy, wild-caught boma-housed white rhinoceros (sub-adult males) were used in a repeated-measures randomised cross-over study. Each rhinoceros was immobilised with four treatments: etorphine only (control), etorphine + azaperone (azaperone), etorphine + medetomidine (medetomidine), and etorphine + midazolam (midazolam). Butorphanol was administered intravenously after 12 min of immobilisation in all treatments. First signs of drug effects, immobilisation induction times, immobilisation quality, tremor scores, rectal temperature, heart and respiratory rates, and peripheral arterial oxygen-haemoglobin saturation, were compared between and within treatments. All four treatments effectively immobilised rhinoceros, however the addition of azaperone, medetomidine and midazolam were associated with significantly shorter induction times compared to the etorphine-only. All treatments initially caused severe muscle tremors, hypopnea, hypoxaemia, and tachycardia (except for medetomidine). The administration of butorphanol partly corrected most of these derangements. Our study shows that the synergistic drugs effectively speed up induction into immobilisation. However, they provide little other physiological or clinical benefit over etorphine-only. Butorphanol remains an important ancillary treatment when administering these drug combinations in rhinoceros.

  PublisherDOI

• Author response: ATP-release pannexin channels are gated by lysophospholipids

  2025-04-11

  peer-reviewOpen access

  In addition to its role as cellular energy currency, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) serves as an extracellular messenger that mediates diverse cell-to-cell communication. Compelling evidence supports that ATP is released from cells through pannexins, a family of membrane proteins that form heptameric large-pore channels. However, the activation mechanisms that trigger ATP release by pannexins remain poorly understood. Here, we discover lysophospholipids as endogenous pannexin activators, using activity-guided fractionation of mouse tissue extracts combined with untargeted metabolomics and electrophysiology. We show that lysophospholipids directly and reversibly activate pannexins in the absence of other proteins. Secretomics experiments reveal that lysophospholipid-activated pannexin 1 leads to the release of not only ATP but also other signaling metabolites, such as 5’-methylthioadenosine, which is important for immunomodulation. We also demonstrate that lysophospholipids activate endogenous pannexin 1 in human monocytes, leading to the release of IL-1β through inflammasome activation. Our results provide a connection between lipid metabolism and purinergic signaling, both of which play major roles in immune responses.

  PublisherDOI

• Assessment of the epidural distribution of sequential boluses of iohexol injected at the sacrococcygeal space in anesthetized cats

  American Journal of Veterinary Research · 2025-07-08

  articleOpen access

  Objective: To determine the distribution of injectate (iohexol) at the feline sacrococcygeal space using CT and thereby identify the volume necessary to reach the 10th thoracic intervertebral foramina (T10-T11), where nociceptive neurons from the ovaries enter the spinal cord. Methods: 7 healthy, purpose-bred, 1- to 2-year-old intact female domestic shorthair cats were anesthetized and positioned in sternal recumbency. After baseline vertebral column CT, a stimulating needle connected to a nerve stimulator (current, 0.2 mA; frequency, 2 Hz; pulse width, 0.1 milliseconds) was inserted at the sacrococcygeal space. After distal tail twitching was observed, a syringe driver injected iohexol (44 mg/mL; 0.25 mL/kg over 30 seconds). Computed tomography was performed 30 seconds after the injection ended. This was repeated 3 times, with 4 minutes separating the start of each injection. A linear mixed-effects model was constructed to determine if the number of vertebrae traversed as the iohexol distributed cranially could be predicted as a function of injectate volume, side of vertebral column, and their interaction (cat as a random effect). Results: The association between injectate volume and number of vertebrae traversed was significant. The volume required to reach the T10-T11 intervertebral foramen bilaterally was 0.75 mL/kg in 3 cats and 1.0 mL/kg in 3 cats; in 1 cat, 1.0 mL/kg did not reach this level. Conclusions: Sacrococcygeal epidural injection of 0.75 to 1.0 mL/kg or more of local anesthetic may be required for segmental analgesia for feline ovariohysterectomy. Clinical Relevance: The volume required is greater than the volume injected epidurally in previous studies and could increase the risk of producing hemodynamic side effects.

  PublisherDOI

• ATP-release pannexin channels are gated by lysophospholipids

  eLife · 2025-04-11

  preprintOpen access

  Abstract In addition to its role as cellular energy currency, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) serves as an extracellular messenger that mediates diverse cell-to-cell communication. Compelling evidence supports that ATP is released from cells through pannexins, a family of membrane proteins that form heptameric large-pore channels. However, the activation mechanisms that trigger ATP release by pannexins remain poorly understood. Here, we discover lysophospholipids as endogenous pannexin activators, using activity-guided fractionation of mouse tissue extracts combined with untargeted metabolomics and electrophysiology. We show that lysophospholipids directly and reversibly activate pannexins in the absence of other proteins. Secretomics experiments reveal that lysophospholipid-activated pannexin 1 leads to the release of not only ATP but also other signaling metabolites, such as 5’-methylthioadenosine, which is important for immunomodulation. We also demonstrate that lysophospholipids activate endogenous pannexin 1 in human monocytes, leading to the release of IL-1β through inflammasome activation. Our results provide a connection between lipid metabolism and purinergic signaling, both of which play major roles in immune responses.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Authors’ Response: ATP-release pannexin channels are gated by lysophospholipids

  2025-02-13

  peer-reviewOpen access

  In addition to its role as cellular energy currency, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) serves as an extracellular messenger that mediates diverse cell-to-cell communication. Compelling evidence supports that ATP is released from cells through pannexins, a family of membrane proteins that form heptameric large-pore channels. However, the activation mechanisms that trigger ATP release by pannexins remain poorly understood. Here, we discover lysophospholipids as endogenous pannexin activators, using activity-guided fractionation of mouse tissue extracts combined with untargeted metabolomics and electrophysiology. We show that lysophospholipids directly and reversibly activate pannexins in the absence of other proteins. Secretomics experiments reveal that lysophospholipid-activated pannexin 1 leads to the release of not only ATP but also other signaling metabolites, such as 5’-methylthioadenosine, which is important for immunomodulation. We also demonstrate that lysophospholipids activate endogenous pannexin 1 in human monocytes, leading to the release of IL-1β through inflammasome activation. Our results provide a connection between lipid metabolism and purinergic signaling, both of which play major roles in immune responses.

  PublisherDOI

• Pharmacokinetics and Physiological Effects of a Single Oral Dose of Oxycodone in Healthy Dogs: A Pilot Study

  Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics · 2025-02-05 · 1 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior authorCorresponding

  ABSTRACT Oxycodone, a full mu opioid receptor agonist prescribed for moderate‐to‐severe pain in people, could provide outpatient analgesia for dogs with post‐operative or cancer pain. To determine the pharmacokinetic profile and physiological side effects of a single oral (PO) dose, five healthy, 2‐year‐old, castrated male hounds were administered a standard amount of food, with or without immediate‐release oxycodone (1 mg/kg), in random order, separated by 1 month. At intervals between 0.25 and 8 h later, blood was sampled to measure plasma oxycodone concentration using ultra high‐pressure liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry detection, and vital signs were evaluated. Pharmacokinetic variables were estimated using noncompartmental analysis. Maximum plasma concentration ( C max ) was 58.6 (39.3, 61.6) ng/mL, time to maximal plasma concentration ( t max ) was 1.5 (0.5, 2.0) h, elimination half‐life ( t 1/2el ) was 2.6 (2.0, 6.7) h, area under the curve from time 0 to last measurement (AUC 0‐ t ) was 236.1 (204.6, 256.0) ng‐h/mL, and mean residence time (MRT) was 3.9 (3.4, 9.8) h. Computer simulations using the calculated pharmacokinetic data predicted that 1 mg/kg PO every 6 h would achieve peak ( C max ) and trough (minimum plasma concentration, C min ) of 69.4 (60.8, 74.6) and 17.0 (15.5, 46.7), respectively, at steady state. Assuming minimum effective analgesic concentration is similar in humans and dogs (~25 mg/mL), therapeutic concentrations were achieved, but administration more frequently than every 6 h would be necessary. Oxycodone produced a significantly lower rectal temperature 1 and 4 h after administration.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• ATP-release pannexin channels are gated by lysophospholipids

  2025-01-24 · 1 citations

  preprintOpen access

  Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) serves as an extracellular messenger that mediates diverse cell-to-cell communication. Compelling evidence supports that ATP is released from cells through pannexins, a family of heptameric large pore-forming channels. However, the activation mechanisms that trigger ATP release by pannexins remain poorly understood. Here, we discover lysophospholipids as endogenous pannexin activators, using activity-guided fractionation of mouse tissue extracts combined with untargeted metabolomics and electrophysiology. We show that lysophospholipids directly and reversibly activate pannexins in the absence of other proteins. Molecular docking, mutagenesis, and single-particle cryo-EM reconstructions suggest that lysophospholipids open pannexin channels by altering the conformation of the N-terminal domain. Our results provide a connection between lipid metabolism and ATP signaling, both of which play major roles in inflammation and neurotransmission.

  PublisherDOI

• ATP-release pannexin channels are gated by lysophospholipids

  eLife · 2025-04-11 · 2 citations

  articleOpen access

  In addition to its role as cellular energy currency, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) serves as an extracellular messenger that mediates diverse cell-to-cell communication. Compelling evidence supports that ATP is released from cells through pannexins, a family of membrane proteins that form heptameric large-pore channels. However, the activation mechanisms that trigger ATP release by pannexins remain poorly understood. Here, we discover lysophospholipids as endogenous pannexin activators, using activity-guided fractionation of mouse tissue extracts combined with untargeted metabolomics and electrophysiology. We show that lysophospholipids directly and reversibly activate pannexins in the absence of other proteins. Secretomics experiments reveal that lysophospholipid-activated pannexin 1 leads to the release of not only ATP but also other signaling metabolites, such as 5'-methylthioadenosine, which is important for immunomodulation. We also demonstrate that lysophospholipids activate endogenous pannexin 1 in human monocytes, leading to the release of IL-1β through inflammasome activation. Our results provide a connection between lipid metabolism and purinergic signaling, both of which play major roles in immune responses.

  PublisherDOI

• ATP-release pannexin channels are gated by lysophospholipids

  2025-02-13

  preprintOpen access

  In addition to its role as cellular energy currency, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) serves as an extracellular messenger that mediates diverse cell-to-cell communication. Compelling evidence supports that ATP is released from cells through pannexins, a family of membrane proteins that form heptameric large-pore channels. However, the activation mechanisms that trigger ATP release by pannexins remain poorly understood. Here, we discover lysophospholipids as endogenous pannexin activators, using activity-guided fractionation of mouse tissue extracts combined with untargeted metabolomics and electrophysiology. We show that lysophospholipids directly and reversibly activate pannexins in the absence of other proteins. Secretomics experiments reveal that lysophospholipid-activated pannexin 1 leads to the release of not only ATP but also other signaling metabolites, such as 5’-methylthioadenosine, which is important for immunomodulation. We also demonstrate that lysophospholipids activate endogenous pannexin 1 in human monocytes, leading to the release of IL-1β through inflammasome activation. Our results provide a connection between lipid metabolism and purinergic signaling, both of which play major roles in immune responses.

  PublisherDOI

Frequent coauthors

• Robin D. Gleed

  Cornell University

  55 shared

• Luis Campoy

  Cornell University

  48 shared

• Manuel Martin‐Flores

  New York State College of Veterinary Medicine

  37 shared

• Galina Hayes

  New York State College of Veterinary Medicine

  16 shared

• Leith C. R. Meyer

  University of the Witwatersrand

  15 shared

• Michele A. Miller

  Stellenbosch University

  12 shared

• Friederike Pohlin

  12 shared

• Pati Kirch

  New York State College of Veterinary Medicine

  12 shared

Awards & honors

• Veterinary Class of 1954 Clinical Resident Award (2010)
• SAVMA Teaching Excellence Award in Clinical Sciences (2015)
• Isidor Sprecher Wildlife Medicine Award (2006)
• Phi Zeta National Veterinary Honor Society (2012)