Dr. Kruse earned her BS and Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Oregon State University. She then completed her Residency in Anesthesiology and PhD in Cardiopulmonary Physiology at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Kruse is a Board-Certified Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia.

Following her graduate work, Dr. Kruse spent 14 years on the faculty at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine as an Associate Professor of Anesthesiology. In 2006, she moved to California as the Medical Director at AnimalScan (formerly Iams Pet Imaging), and in 2018, she started the anesthesia service at Sage Veterinary Centers. 

She has had numerous publications in both veterinary and basic science literature since 1980, including several book chapters.  She is a consultant on the Veterinary Information Network (VIN) and has taught numerous continuing education courses to veterinarians and veterinary technicians.  She continues to be involved in training veterinary students, technicians, and residents in anesthesia.  Dr. Kruse has a special interest in cardiopulmonary physiology, clinical anesthesiology, and pain management.

In her spare time, she can be found on the ski slopes whenever and wherever there is snow or biking and hiking the trails near her home in Reno, NV.