SEEH
Staff

Our experienced veterinarians, specialists, consultants, nurses, and barn staff ensure the best health outcomes for your horse.

SEEH Staff

Our experienced veterinarians, specialists, consultants, nurses, and barn staff ensure the best health outcomes for your horse.

“Excellent staff who go above and beyond, operated half the night to save my horse, can’t thank them enough for all their assistance.”

Sharon - Google Review

“Fantastic care, treatment and advice. Very happy to have my horse home and well.”

Sarah - Facebook Review

Directors

South East Equine Hospital - Our Staff - Dr Gareth TropeDr Gareth Trope

Registered Specialist in Equine Surgery – BVSc(Hons),DipVCS, CertES(Orth), MVSc, FANZCVS, Adjunct Senior Lecturer in Equine Surgery, Charles Sturt University

Director

Gareth graduated from the University of Sydney in 1998. Since graduating Gareth has worked in a number of equine practices both in Australia and in the UK. This included an internship at Sydney University, a residency in Equine Surgery at Melbourne University, Equine Surgeon at Ballarat Veterinary Practice and a lectureship in Equine Surgery at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga prior to joining South Eastern Equine Hospital in 2015. In 2018 Gareth became a director of South Eastern Equine Hospital alongside Robyn.

He holds a Royal College Certificate in Equine Surgery (orthopaedics), membership in Equine Surgery of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ANZCVS) and in 2011 became a registered specialist in Equine Surgery following successful completion of fellowship exams in Equine Surgery of the ANZCVS.

Gareth has a particular interest in orthopaedic surgery, lameness investigation and advanced diagnostic imaging. He has also completed a research Masters investigating novel methods for diagnosing stress fractures in racehorses. In addition to this he has a keen interest in minimally invasive surgery including laparoscopic surgery.

Specialists

South East Equine Hospital - Our Staff - Dr Laura Nath

Dr Laura Nath

Specialist in Equine Medicine – BVSc, MVSc, CertEM, FANZCVS

Laura is a registered specialist in Equine Medicine. She graduated with honours from the University of Sydney in 2003. Early in her career Laura worked in first opinion equine practice and reproduction and stud medicine in Australia and the UK and attained a certificate in Stud Medicine from the Royal Veterinary College in the UK in 2008. Laura completed her specialist training in equine medicine through a residency at the University of Melbourne and gained fellowship of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Equine Medicine in 2010.
During her residency training Laura completed a Masters degree investigating cardiac troponin in horses. She is currently undertaking a part-time PhD through the University of Adelaide investigating exercise associated arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death in Thoroughbreds.

Laura enjoys all aspects of equine medical practice. She has worked locally and in the UK in referral medicine and first opinion equine practice, advanced reproduction, stud medicine and racetrack practice.

Laura has given research presentations and lectures within Australia, UK and USA on topics such as cardiology, atrial fibrillation, interpretation of heart murmurs, gastric ulceration and gastroduodenoscopy, management of coughing horses, diagnosis of lower respiratory disease, pleuropneumonia, weight loss, foal medicine, reproductive efficiency, equine metabolic syndrome and neurological examination. She has contributed several chapters to textbooks and published research on these topics.

Laura has extensive experience in cardiology and respiratory medicine and intensive care.
She also has interests in sports medicine, neonatal care of foals, neurology, dermatology, gastrointestinal disease; weight loss, colic, diarrhoea and gastric ulceration and endocrine disorders such as PPID (also known as Cushing’s disease).

Outside of work, Laura enjoys spending time with her family and pets.
Laura is working with us in Hospital and is available for specialist consultations when not in clinic.

South East Equine Hospital - Our Staff - Dr Tom O'Brien

Dr Tom O’Brien

Equine Surgeon

Tom comes from Melbourne, Australia. After obtaining his bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Science, he completed an 18-month surgical and anaesthesia internship at Scone Equine Hospital, located in the heart of the Australian breeding industry. Following this, he moved over to Hong Kong, where he completed an 18-month clinical internship with the Hong Kong Jockey Club. He then moved to Athens, Georgia, where he completed a large animal rotating internship with the University of Georgia. Tom then travelled to Colorado State University to undertake his specialist surgical training. In August 2023, he relocated back to Australia and worked as a surgeon with Avenel Equine Hospital. In February 2024, he passed his specialist board exams and is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

He recently made the move to South Eastern Equine Hospital and is excited to establish some routes. His surgical interests include minimally invasive surgery (arthroscopy and laparoscopy), fracture repair and plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Veterinarians

South East Equine Hospital - Our Staff - Dr Kate Thompson

Dr Kate Thompson

Veterinarian – BVSc, MANZCVS(equine medicine)

Associate Veterinarian

Kate graduated from the University of Melbourne in December 2006. Upon graduation she worked in mixed dairy practice in Western Victoria. In 2009 she went travelling throughout England, South America and Europe. During which she worked in private equine practice across England.

Kate has gained Membership of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Equine medicine in 2015.

Kate also has a particular interest in equine dentistry and is currently completing a Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice in Equine Dentistry through the University of Liverpool.

When not busy working, Kate enjoys playing tennis, travelling, and skiing.

South East Equine Hospital - Our Staff - Dr Lianne Wright

Dr Lianne Wright

Veterinarian – BVSc, BSc(Hons), MANZCVS(equine medicine)

Associate Veterinarian

Lianne was born in 1980 in Yorkshire, England. She studied for a degree in Applied Biology, at the University of Northumbria Newcastle, and then attained a Veterinary Degree from the University of Liverpool, UK. Lianne then moved to Australia where she worked in mixed practice for 3 years. Lianne has been employed at South Eastern Equine Hospital since its commencement in 2012.

Lianne has always had a special interest in horses, particularly in equine reproduction, anaesthesia and colic. She has completed a distance education course at Sydney University in Equine Internal Medicine. Currently, she is studying for a Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice in Equine Medicine through the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Lianne has recently returned from a clinical placement at the University of Bern, Switzerland with world renowned equine medicine specialist, Dr Vincent Gerber.

South East Equine Hospital - Our Staff - Dr Jess Cook

Dr Jess Cook

Veterinarian BVSc, MANZCVS(equine medicine)

Assosciate Veterinarian

Jess graduated from the university of Melbourne in 2009, after which she commenced her veterinary career at a mixed practice in Koo Wee Rup. Since then, Jess has worked at several practices in Melbourne’s South East, and joined the team at South Eastern Equine Hospital in 2017.

Jess has a particular interest in Equine medicine and reproduction, and attained Membership to the Equine Medicine chapter of Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in 2015.

In her spare time, Jess enjoys riding, reading, and baking.

South East Equine Hospital - Our Staff - Dr Jack Porter

Dr Jack Porter

Veterinarian BVetSc

Associate Veterinarian

Jack graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2020 prior to completing an 18 month internship here at South Eastern Equine Hospital. Having further developed his clinical knowledge and skills in the hospital, Jack will now be dedicated to our clients on the road. You may also catch him in the hospital after hours.

Growing up in East Gippsland, Jack was a keen eventer and loved competing in games at gymkhanas – the faster the better. Since moving to Melbourne in 2015 he doesn’t get to ride as much anymore but still enjoys going for trail rides back home with family.

In his spare time you will find Jack training for triathlons, walking his dog Lola or surf lifesaving in Lakes Entrance.

South East Equine Hospital - Our Staff - Dr Melissa Bain

Dr Melissa Bain

Veterinarian BMedSci BVSc

Associate Veterinarian

Melissa studied for a degree in Medical Science at the University of Sydney before attaining a veterinary degree from James Cook University, graduating in 2019. Melissa then moved to South Australia and completed an equine internship at the University of Adelaide, before moving back to Victoria where she worked in ambulatory practice for four years on the Mornington Peninsula. Melissa joined the team at South Eastern Equine Hospital in 2025.

Currently she is studying for a Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice through the University of Liverpool and in her spare time enjoys hiking and volunteering with the Riding for the Disabled with her horse Iggy.

Dr Caley Knox

Veterinarian DVM MANZCVS

Associate Veterinarian

Caley graduated from the University of Sydney in 2019. She completed an internship with SEEH in 2021 before spending a few months locuming in East Gippsland. She then returned to the Mornington Peninsula where she worked in an ambulatory practice for three years.

Caley recently attained membership to the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Veterinary Practice – Equine. She has a particular interest in equine medicine and anaesthesia, and plans to complete further study in these areas in the future.

When not at work, Caley enjoys camping, hiking and hanging out with her 3 greyhounds.

Interns

South East Equine Hospital - Our Staff - Dr Maddie Hawkins

Dr Maddie Hawkins

BVSc (Dist)

Maddie graduated from James Cook University in 2023 and then travelled overseas for a few months before commencing her internship at SEEH.

She grew up with horses on the Mornington Peninsula and loved Eventing until moving to QLD for her studies.

She has always had an interest in Equine practice, particularly equine medicine and is excited for the opportunity to better her knowledge throughout the internship.

Maddie has recently started indoor climbing, enjoys spending her weekends on the peninsula with her family and overseas travel when time allows for it.

South East Equine Hospital - Our Staff - Dr Grace Peck

Dr Grace Peck

Growing up, all Grace could think about was spending all day, everyday with horses. After completing her Bachelor of Science and Veterinary degree at the University of Melbourne in 2024, Grace began her internship at SEEH, where that dream finally became a reality. Grace enjoys all aspects of equine veterinary practice, but has a particular interest in reproduction, medicine and anaesthesia.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, riding her horses and going out hiking or trail running.

Dr Genevieve Williamson

Nurses

South East Equine Hospital - Our Staff - Sarah

Sarah Bertram

Head Nurse / Practice Manager

Sarah started her career as a veterinary nurse in a busy small animal practice and then went on to work as an Equine nurse in an ambulatory practice in the Yarra Valley/Dandenong Ranges where she has spent the past 7 years. Over this time Sarah obtained her Certificate 3 in Equine Nursing. She has worked with and owned horses since she was 15 years old, working on a stud farm and riding school during this time. She enjoys eventing her lovely Thoroughbred ‘Lager’ in her spare time as well as spending time with her partner, Tony and Aussie Shepherd ‘Vegas’.
South East Equine Hospital - Our Staff - Vivian

Vivian Tomren

Veterinary Nurse

Viv fell into equine vet nursing, and she did her Cert 4 to upskill in her current role with Racing Victoria. During her placement at South Eastern, she found her passion in surgery.

Born and raised in Norway, she found horses at the age of 10 and landed her first job in a harness racing stable at 15 while studying agriculture. She completed her certificate in horse training in Norway at 18 and headed to New Zealand at 20 to work for Mark Purdon, where she met her then partner and they both relocated to the Gold Coast and then to Melbourne, where they trained a team of trotters for several years. Sometimes you will also find her driving the odd race.

Viv was a full-time employee with Racing Victoria, and after completing her Cert 4, she had all intentions of continuing. But with the enjoyment she gets from caring for the sick and injured, she decided to commit part-time to us and RV.

When not at work, Viv is spending time with her daughter, camping, skiing, hiking, horse riding, having dinner with friends and travelling if time permits.

South East Equine Hospital - Our Staff - Georgie

Georgie Talbot

Veterinary Nurse

Georgie became a part of the SEEH team in 2022 as a stable hand, before beginning her veterinary nursing career in 2023. She completed her Certificate II in Animal Studies in 2023, followed by her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing at Gippsland TAFE in 2024.

Raised on a small hobby farm, Georgie developed a strong connection with animals from a young age. Her love for horses began when she started riding at just six years old, sparking a lifelong passion that naturally led her into the veterinary field.

Georgie enjoys all areas of veterinary nursing, with particular interests in surgery, medicine and reproduction. Outside of work, she loves keeping active, reading, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.

Nursing Assistants and Trainees

Madalyn Waugh

SEEH - Meet the Team - Hanna

Hanna Rush

Erin Henricks

SEEH - Meet the Team - Dane

Dane Cathels

Admin and Reception

Marieke Klomp

Kate Bertoli

Michelle Coleman

Stable Hands

Lesley Harrison

Phoebe Wilhelm

Sarah Laukart

Maddi Del Marco

Kymberleigh Cross

Consultants

South East Equine Hospital - Our Staff - Dr Leah Bradbury

Dr Leah Bradbury

BVSc (Hons) MANZCVS Cert VA DipECVAA

Registered Specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia

Leah is a registered specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia.  

 Leah graduated from the University of Sydney as a veterinarian in 1999. Following graduation, she worked in a number of veterinary practices in Australia and the UK before commencing a residency in anaesthesia and critical care at the University of Liverpool in the UK in 2003.  During this residency Leah was a awarded a Royal College Certificate in Veterinary Anaesthesia.  In 2008 she became a Diplomat of the European College of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia by examination.  She is also a member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists.

Following completion of her residency she returned to work in Australia at the University of Melbourne where she led the anaesthesia team for 5 years.  Leah then relocated to Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga where she was involved in clinical work, teaching and research into animal welfare.  Leah remains an adjunct senior lecturer for Charles Sturt University.   She is also actively involved in a number of education programs for both veterinarians and nurses.  

 Leah is passionate about all aspects of veterinary anaesthesia and has a particular interest in perioperative pain relief and pain assessment.

https://www.vetanaesthesia.com.au/

South East Equine Hospital - Our Staff - Professor Derek Knottenbelt

Professor Derek Knottenbelt

OBE, BVM&S, DVM&S, DipECEIM, DACVIM, MRCVS

Professor Derek Knottenbelt qualified from Edinburgh in 1970 and spent the first years as research veterinarian in Zimbabwe. Thereafter, he spent 12 years in mixed and equine practice before turning to the academic world in Zimbabwe first and then Liverpool. He has specialised in equine internal medicine and although he retired from Liverpool in 2010 continues to maintain his clinical and research interests in equine internal medicine as a Consultant to the Weiper’s Equine Centre, University of Glasgow. He is a Diplomat of the European College of Equine Internal Medicine and of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. He is Director of Equine Medical Solutions Ltd and through this provides an advisory service in equine oncology. He was awarded honorary life membership of ECEIM, BEVA, VWHA and ACVIM. He received the Animal Health Trust Scientific Award in 2003, the BEVA (Blue Cross) Welfare award in 2004 and the Merk -WEVA Welfare Award in.

In 2005 he was appointed OBE by the Queen for his services to equine medicine. He has published widely on a range of topics and maintains an interest in equine Internal medicine and oncology in particular. Through Equine Medical Solutions Ltd he offers a consultancy service in equine oncology and other challenging clinical conditions for veterinarians worldwide. His main interests are in oncology, ophthalmology, wound management and dermatology. He is the primary author of 10 recognised text books and over 70 refereed scientific papers. He is actively involved in animal and human charity work both in UK and abroad. He is a founder member of the ‘Vets with Horsepower’ team who champion the cause of the working equid as well as other welfare and humanitarian charities and raise money for Charity through provision of high quality CPD to vets and horse owners.

https://equinesarcoid.co.uk/

South East Equine Hospital - Our Staff - Dr Laura Nath

Dr Laura Nath

Specialist in Equine Medicine – BVSc, MVSc, CertEM, FANZCVS

Laura is a registered specialist in Equine Medicine. She graduated with honours from the University of Sydney in 2003. Early in her career Laura worked in first opinion equine practice and reproduction and stud medicine in Australia and the UK and attained a certificate in Stud Medicine from the Royal Veterinary College in the UK in 2008. Laura completed her specialist training in equine medicine through a residency at the University of Melbourne and gained fellowship of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Equine Medicine in 2010.
During her residency training Laura completed a Masters degree investigating cardiac troponin in horses. She is currently undertaking a part-time PhD through the University of Adelaide investigating exercise associated arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death in Thoroughbreds.

Laura enjoys all aspects of equine medical practice. She has worked locally and in the UK in referral medicine and first opinion equine practice, advanced reproduction, stud medicine and racetrack practice.

Laura has given research presentations and lectures within Australia, UK and USA on topics such as cardiology, atrial fibrillation, interpretation of heart murmurs, gastric ulceration and gastroduodenoscopy, management of coughing horses, diagnosis of lower respiratory disease, pleuropneumonia, weight loss, foal medicine, reproductive efficiency, equine metabolic syndrome and neurological examination. She has contributed several chapters to textbooks and published research on these topics.

Laura has extensive experience in cardiology and respiratory medicine and intensive care.
She also has interests in sports medicine, neonatal care of foals, neurology, dermatology, gastrointestinal disease; weight loss, colic, diarrhoea and gastric ulceration and endocrine disorders such as PPID (also known as Cushing’s disease).

Outside of work, Laura enjoys spending time with her family and pets.
Laura is working with us in Hospital and is available for specialist consultations when not in clinic.

South East Equine Hospital - Our Staff - Dr Anu O'Reilly

Dr Anu O’Reilly

BVSc, MVS, MACVSc, Certificate in Veterinary Ophthalmology Small Animal Medicine, FANZCVS

(Veterinary Ophthalmology)

Anu has worked as a specialist veterinary ophthalmologist in Melbourne since 2003.  She is currently the Secretary of the Ophthalmology Chapter of the Australian New Zealand College of Veterinary Surgeons and is a current examiner.  Her special interests include corneal and glaucoma surgery and systemic disease affecting the eye.  Anu is passionate about Equine Ophthalmology, and is a member of the International Equine Ophthalmology Consortium.  She has become widely experienced in Exotic Ophthalmology and is a consultant for the Royal Melbourne Zoo.  

 

http://www.melbourneeyevet.com.au/horses.html

South East Equine Hospital - Our Staff - Dr Chris Pearce

Dr Chris Pearce

BVSc CertEM(IntMed), CertES(SoftTissue), DipEVDC (Equine), MRCVS

European and RCVS Recognised Veterinary Specialist in Equine Dentistry,

Director and Founder of Equine Dental Clinic UK

Dr Chris Pearce is an RCVS and EBVS European Veterinary Specialist in Equine Dentistry. Chris has considerable experience in the field of equine dentistry. Chris founded The Equine Dental Clinic Ltd in 2012, Europe’s first and largest veterinary practice dedicated to general, advanced and referral equine dentistry. Chris has developed a wide referral base for advanced and surgical dental conditions across the UK and increasingly in Europe, as well as a worldwide reputation for pioneering advanced techniques such as dental restorations.

Chris teaches, lectures and examines widely on equine dentistry in the UK and worldwide. Chris is dedicated to advancing the science of equine dentistry and is particularly interested in novel restorative and preservative treatments. This has placed Chris and EDC at the forefront of equine dentistry worldwide.

Chris joins the practice on a consultancy basis. Dr Kate Thompson has attended the ‘Key Skills’ courses offered by Chris and spent time seeing practice at The Equine Dental Clinic, in the UK.

https://equinedentalclinic.co.uk/

Book an Appointment

In the hospital or on-site, we make it easy to get expert care.

Staff

Meet our passionate team of equine health experts.

Services

See our full range of equine veterinary services.

“Thank you so much for helping our big mate Woody!! All the staff did an excellent job from referral to op to aftercare. Very friendly and answered all questions – even when they’re exhausted from being fabulous at fixing our equine friends. My family and I are exceptionally thankful for all your help!!! Wish I could give you 10 stars!!!”

Louise - Facebook Review

“I just wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone at SEEH – especially Gareth and Jess who ultimately saved my pride and joy horse after she cut her hind leg to the bone quite horrifically. 5 months on and two leg casts she’s now recovering and I have the SEEH team to thank for all their help and answering of any questions I’ve had.”

Samantha - Facebook Review

Request a Booking

Our team will reply to confirm your appointment.

Preferred Day of Booking

Preferred Time of Booking

South Eastern Equine Hospital

(03) 8790 4922
reception@seeh.com.au

Clinic Hours

Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 5:30pm
Sat-Sun: Emergencies only

Available 24/7 for Emergencies

Follow our Facebook Page

/SEequinehospital

Address

359 Belgrave-Hallam Road
Narre Warren North
VIC 3804