Igor Canisso

DVM, MS, PhD, Dipl.ACT, DECAR (Equine Reproduction)

grew up in Brazil working with livestock and horses on the family farm. My family migrated from Italy and Spain to Brazil early in the 19th century, so I have had a heavy influence of those cultures in my upbringing. Growing up, I enjoyed playing sports (basketball, soccer, volleyball, and equestrian sports).

After graduating from veterinary school and being in private practice in Brazil, I completed a master’s degree in animal reproductive biotechnology, which earned my reputation as a donkey reproduction specialist. I then moved to the United Kingdom for a fellowship in equine reproduction. The time in Britain certainly has had an impact on how I practice veterinary medicine.

Thereafter, I completed a residency in theriogenology at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y. My residency allowed me to become board certified by the American College of Theriogenologists and the European College of Animal Reproduction. Then, I moved to the world’s “Horse Capital” to earn a PhD in equine reproduction at the University of Kentucky, Lexington.

I have been with the University of Illinois since 2014. I have a special interest in mentoring veterinary students, graduate students, and house officers.

I travel around the world to speak and to consult on high-end mares and stallions suffering from reproductive problems. Throughout the year, I am a full-time clinician, but also perform classroom and clinical teaching in equine theriogenology. I have three areas of research interest: equine subfertility, perinatology, and reproductive biotechniques.