Dr. Tomas F. Nespor, DVM

At the age of four, Dr. Nespor found himself immersed in the world of veterinary medicine, accompanying his father on house calls. Their practice mirrored the days of James Herriot, venturing from farm to farm, treating a myriad of animals. During this era, large animals, primarily cows, dominated their roster due to the communist regime’s view of horses as a luxury. Despite this, the passion for treating animals, be they sheep, goats, or the occasional small animal, was evident.

As Dr. Nespor transitioned into his high school and college years, his innate curiosity led him to shadow different veterinarians. He wanted to experience varied techniques and approaches, ensuring a holistic view of his chosen profession. However, beyond the horizons of the Czech Republic, lay a dream – the dream to practice in America.

This dream took root during his high school days. As a talented trumpet player in a band, Dr. Nespor had the opportunity to travel extensively across Europe. During these tours, his dedication to veterinary medicine did not wane. On a trip to Germany, he bought a medical book on surgery and anatomy. The end of this book held a key to his American dream – an index of all contributing authors.

Upon his college graduation, Dr. Nespor faced mandatory military service. But before embarking on this duty, he reached out to every author from that book, expressing his desire to learn and experience veterinary medicine in the U.S.

Among the sea of silence, one response emerged from a Colorado University professor, offering an opportunity. However, the cost was steep, $2,000 a month. With a veterinarian’s annual salary in the Czech Republic being an extremely modest $1,000, the dream was out of reach, but it never faded.

Under the shadow of communism, as the Czech Republic was a member of the Eastern Bloc and the Warsaw Pact, numerous army bases were discreetly scattered throughout the country, often hidden within forests. These bases, numbering around twelve, were always guarded, often by a contingent of dogs ranging from 50 to 150 in number. Dr. Nespor’s expertise was soon recognized, and he became the overseeing veterinarian for all these bases.

While each base had its local veterinarian, Dr. Nespor played a pivotal role in connecting and coordinating with them, with a shared objective: improving the health and quality of these guard dogs. His position allowed him to undertake extensive studies. One such study involved drawing blood samples from 100 dogs ranging from two to seven years of age to check for antibodies for diseases like parvovirus and distemper. His findings indicated that there was no immediate need to vaccinate dogs holding a high level of antibodies until they reached a certain age, at which point the antibodies began to decline.

Through these experiences, Dr. Nespor gained a unique understanding of herd medicine—a type of veterinary care where the well-being of the group takes precedence over individual treatment. He learned that in such settings, efficient and cost-effective solutions were paramount. When treating large numbers of animals, the approach differs considerably from individualized care, as evidenced by farmers’ decisions regarding the health treatments of their livestock. A farmer with a few cattle may know each by name and treat them individually, but on a larger scale, cost and efficiency often took precedence.

Furthermore, Dr. Nespor started observing and implementing some holistic principles, like food routines that included fasting days for detox. He observed that certain breeds, like German Shepherds, fared better in cold due to their thicker coats, while others, such as Rottweilers and Boxers, struggled. These observations, while grounded in common sense, later aligned with traditional Chinese principles he would later come to recognize.

Although his time in the army wasn’t marked by advanced surgical procedures, it was instrumental in shaping his veterinary philosophy. It emphasized the importance of simplicity in treatment. Upon completing his military service, Dr. Nespor’s longing for the U.S. was rekindled. Despite facing linguistic barriers, he continued his pursuit and found an opportunity to head to Cleveland.

Upon arriving in the U.S., Dr. Nespor faced significant challenges. Walking into a clinic, he imagined he would find a role as an observer, but language barriers and misunderstandings quickly emerged. Just three days in, a miscommunication made the clinic believe he would only be around for that short period. When it was cleared up that he had actually planned to stay for three months, the clinic had to adjust to this unexpected development.

Despite the rocky start, Dr. Nespor’s dedication shone through. He reminisced about the strenuous journey to America: to save up enough for his trip, he trimmed cow hooves as a veterinarian every weekend for three months. Arriving with a mere $90, he was fueled by a belief in the American dream and an unyielding desire to pursue his calling as a veterinarian.

Over time, the clinic’s staff warmed to him. They saw past the language barriers and recognized his passion and potential. As his time drew to a close, he took an owner of the clinic out for a hamburger, expressing his gratitude. To his surprise, he was offered a job, turning his plans entirely upside down.

Although he had envisioned returning home to become a veterinarian in the style of James Herriot, with aspirations to treat larger animals and perhaps even start a clinic in his basement, the unexpected job offer made him reconsider.

Returning home, Dr. Nespor contemplated his strengths and pondered his future. He did not want to look back in his 50s with regrets of missed opportunities. Taking the bold step, he decided to stay and establish his practice. This venture was a painstaking process, which took around six to eight months to get off the ground. From a humble beginning, he built his clinic up, embodying the spirit of perseverance.

As he looked back, memories of his homeland came flooding back. He shared tales of his father, who would wake up at midnight to tend to animals. Dr. Nespor recounted braving freezing temperatures, sometimes as cold as minus 20 degrees, to help deliver calves. It wasn’t just a task; it was an experience—standing amidst a herd of cows, sometimes almost naked due to the nature of the job, maneuvering inside a cow stall, and ensuring the safe delivery of a calf, even if it meant getting squeezed in the process.

These memories from the Czech Republic contrasted with his experiences in the U.S. but solidified Dr. Nespor’s dedication to his profession and his commitment to always being there for animals, no matter the conditions or challenges.

In Cleveland, Ohio, where he initially settled, his professional visa had him locked into one place. This meant he couldn’t work elsewhere due to governmental restrictions. But his ambitions ran high. Dr. Nespor was determined to get his veterinary license. To achieve this, he faced two options: one was the ECFVG program, which demanded mastery of nine disciplines in just four days. This was a daunting challenge, requiring competence in surgery, microbiology, radiology, pharmacology, and more. Alternatively, he could spend 20,000 hours (equivalent to roughly two years of full-time work) in university for a year, after which he could get his license without the test. The latter option required money he didn’t possess. So, he took the challenge head-on and chose the first route.

However, with limited exposure to horses, a crucial part of the examination, Dr. Nespor found himself at a crossroads. His years in Cleveland didn’t offer much in that domain. So, he took a leap of faith and reached out to an address in Ohio, near Cincinnati. This leap led him to Frank, an expert in horse reproduction. Frank, originally from Texas and a veteran with a helicopter pilot license, was an authority in the field. His exceptional skills saw him being called for emergency cases using his helicopter, a testament to both his ability and reputation. Working under Frank’s tutelage, Dr. Nespor’s life turned into a whirlwind of relentless work and learning.

During the breeding season, their workdays often stretched from 8 in the morning to 1 at night, six days a week. This was the intensity for a majority of the year. To add to the mix, Frank had a small animal clinic too. There were nights when after their exhaustive horse rounds, they’d jump straight into surgery for smaller animals, sometimes until the early hours of 4 in the morning. This was a year of gaining rich experiences, learning, and understanding the intricate world of veterinary care. His travels with Frank took him across southern Ohio and even to Kentucky.

The initial years between 1993 to 2000 saw Dr. Nespor working in a variety of small animal hospitals. Moving to California and co-owning a practice for the next 7 years, he solidified his footing in the world of veterinary medicine. During these years, he wasn’t just restricted to general practice but ventured deep into ultrasound, dentistry, and advanced orthopedics. His skills expanded to embrace various facets of veterinary care: orthopedic surgeries, internal medicine, dentistry, and reproduction.

But the traditional confines of veterinary medicine couldn’t hold back Dr. Nespor’s voracious appetite for knowledge. Recognizing the potential of holistic methods and their symbiotic relationship with conventional practices, he and his family resettled in Europe in 2008. The move was transformative. While in Holland, he associated with the holistic veterinary clinic, Den Hoek. Under the guidance and collaboration with multiple doctors and acupuncturists, he honed his skills in treating both small animals and horses.

His time in Europe wasn’t just about acupuncture and chiropractic practices. Dr. Nespor delved deep into the realms of herbs, homeopathy, and energetic healing, completing his certifications from prestigious institutions like the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society in San Diego and the International Academy of Veterinary Chiropractic in Germany.

2016 marked a new chapter in his wide-ranging career. Returning to San Diego, he brought along a treasure trove of knowledge, experiences, and a vision. This vision was to merge the practices of the East and West, not as competing entities but as harmonious partners. This dream came to fruition with his founding of East West Animal Hospital.

After 30 years of hands-on practice, Dr. Nespor has pivoted towards creating products centered on frequency and vibration. With the rise of digital technology, his expertise will also be channeled into online consultations, providing invaluable advice and “down to earth” solutions in challenging times.

Dr. Nespor’s philosophy is clear: it’s not about choosing sides between Eastern and Western medicine. It’s about achieving a synergy for the best outcomes. By offering natural products and consultations, he hopes to introduce more pet owners to holistic approaches and reduce the dependency on chemical-heavy medical treatments. The blend of ancient wisdom with modern practices is what makes Dr. Nespor’s approach not just unique but revolutionary.