Norman (Norm) William Rantanen, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVR
Dr. Norman Rantanen passed away in southern California, Saturday, March 22, 2025, after a long illness. He was 82 years old. He graduated from Washington State University with degrees of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (1967) and Masters of Veterinary Radiology (1971). Norm served as a veterinarian in the U.S. Air Force for over 9 years in Washington D.C., Vietnam, Germany and San Antonio, Texas. He received The Air Force Commendation Medal and The Bronze Star Medal. This was followed with service in the National Guard in the state of Washington. In November 1979 he became Board Certified in Veterinary Radiology. He served on the College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University faculty from 1976 to 1983 in Radiology.
His interest in developing the use of Ultrasound, especially for equine, led to a move to Lexington, Kentucky, with his family. He developed an international diagnostic imaging consultation practice, primarily equine, based in Lexington for almost 9 years and then he and his wife moved the practice to Fallbrook, California and continued for another 29 years. During this time he mentored many veterinarians and taught the use of diagnostic ultrasound and imaging, both formally and informally. Exciting visits in his practice were those to the San Diego Wild Animal Park occasionally performing ultrasound on elephants, gorillas and rhinos and to SeaWorld San Diego to ultrasound killer whales and dolphins.
During his career he was editor and author of three major texts and authored or co-authored over 70 publications. His greatest contribution to the veterinary world was the sharing of innovative ideas and techniques, collaborating with other veterinarians to determine the best course of action, and the encouragement of fellow veterinarians. Among his awards were WSU College of Veterinary Medicine Distinguished Alumnus Award and the History of Medical Ultrasound Pioneer Award. He especially treasured the American Association of Equine Practitioners Distinguished Educator Award. More professional information can be found at
Norman Rantanen, DVM, MS, DACVR – The Foundation For The Horse
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Palomares House/Fallbrook Land Conservancy in Fallbrook, California. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the WSU College of Veterinary Medicine’s Alexander Family Resident Award fund, P.O. Box 647010, Pullman, WA 99164 or online at https://give.vetmed.wsu.edu/Home/View/1335. Gifts are also suggested to Waskawiwin, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization partnering with Tribes developing Tribal broadband and managed by his son Matt (website: waskawiwin.org).