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

Dr Robyn Charman

Specialist in Equine Surgery – BVSc(Hons), MANZCVS(equine medicine), FANZCVS(equine surgery)

Director

Robyn Charman graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1990 having gained her Bachelor of Veterinary Science with honours. Robyn then worked as a mixed practice veterinarian under the guidance of Dr Neville Japp and later Dr Colin Bassett where she developed a special interest in equine medicine and surgery.

Robyn and her husband Neil established the Station Street Veterinary Clinic in Koo Wee Rup in 1995 where Robyn continued to pursue professional development in the equine field. In 2000, Robyn attained membership to the equine medicine chapter of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists. In 2004, Robyn commenced her equine surgery residency program with Dr Jim Vasey at the Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital. This program culminated with Robyn gaining fellowship of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in equine surgery in 2009. In October 2012, Robyn established the South Eastern Equine Hospital at Narre Warren North and continues to enjoy the challenges of equine veterinary practice. Robyn is a registered specialist in equine surgery with the Veterinary Practitioners Board of Victoria.

Dr 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

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.

Veterinarians

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.

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 Nothumbria 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.

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.

Dr Alexia Austen Wishart

Veterinarian BSc, BVSc, MANCVS(equine medicine)

Assosciate Veterinarian

Alexia graduated from the University of Melbourne in December 2012. Upon graduation she worked in a mixed small animal/equine practice in Mildura on the Murray River.

After living in Mildura for 18 months she returned to the south of the state commencing employment with the then Maffra Veterinary Centre under the attentive eye of Dr. Jacob Malmo working as a mixed animal veterinarian.

Looking to expand upon her equine experience she commenced working for Lancefield Equine Clinic in the beautiful Macedon Ranges area of central Victoria where she stayed until starting with South East.

Recently, Alexia attained Membership to the Equine Medicine chapter of Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists. 

When not working or studying Alexia spends time with her elderly greyhound Orbison, potters in the garden, rides a pony or dreams of travel and adventure.

South East Equine Hospital - Our Staff - Dr Olivia Miller

Dr Olivia Miller

Veterinarian BSc (VetBio) DVM

Associate Veterinarian

Olivia graduated as a veterinarian from the University of Adelaide in 2020, she then completed an 18 month equine internship at Ballarat Veterinary Practice. Olivia has a keen interest in neonatal medicine and reproduction. Growing up on the Mornington Peninsula, Olivia is excited to be back close to home and be part of the SEEH team.

In her spare time Olivia enjoys baking, reading and hikes with her dog.

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.

Interns

South East Equine Hospital - Our Staff - Dr Nina Burnett

Dr Nina Burnett

BAnSci, BVetBiol/VetSci

Nina graduated as a Veterinarian from Charles Sturt University in 2023 and prior to this obtained a Bachelor of Animal Science in 2019.

She is excited to complete an internship at SEEH so she can provide a high level of Equine care to rural areas.

She has a special interest in ambulatory services, medicine and reproduction.

After her internship, Nina plans on returning home to North East Victoria to work as a mixed or equine ambulatory vet.

In her spare time, Nina enjoys spending time at home in Mansfield, riding, adventuring with her three Border Collies and op-shopping.

South East Equine Hospital - Our Staff - Dr Mackensie Cooper

Dr Mackensie Cooper

BVSc (Dist)

Mackensie was born in Sydney, but moved to New Zealand as a baby. She grew up surrounded by animals including cats, dogs, guinea pigs and horses, and is from an “animal crazy” family.
She discovered a love of horses from a young age, particularly thoroughbred, and became an equine vet so she could spend all day with them.

Mackensie completed her Bachelor of Veterinary Science at Massey University in New Zealand.
She has a growing interest in many parts of equine veterinary science, including internal medicine, emergency, anaesthesia and sports medicine.

In her spare time, Mackensie enjoys keeping fit at the gym, running, hiking, reading and trying new food.

South East Equine Hospital - Our Staff - Dr Maddi 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 Eva Vidacs

Dr Eva Vidacs

DVM BSc (Hons)

Eva graduated from The University of Melbourne in 2023. After graduating she took some time off and travelled to Greece.

Before entering the vet degree, Eva worked in research at the Peter MacCallum cancer centre, where she was involved with oncology research and dedicated herself to animal welfare and ethics. She spent her honours year finding ways to better support production animals (particular pigs) during heat stress events in Australia.

Eva learned dressage riding as an adult, where her interest in horses began to bloom. She decided to pursue an equine internship to further her knowledge and experience with horses.

In her spare time Eva spends time with her adored rescue greyhound, Rupert. She also has backyard chooks, has a large indoor plant collection, enjoys going on hikes with her friends and is currently learning to knit.

Nurses

Sarah Bertram

Veterinary Nurse – Cert 3 Equine

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’.

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.

Anika Mackenzie

Veterinary Nurse

Paige Burfurd

Veterinary Nurse

Montana Lacsni

Veterinary Nurse

Georgie Talbot

Veterinary Nurse

Nursing Assistants and Trainees

Madalyn Waugh

Alyse Tonkin

Admin and Reception

Marieke Klomp

Katrina Donat

Kate Bertoli

Stable Hands

Leslie Harrison

Phoebe Wilhelm

Brooke Gagliardi

Dane Cathels

Sarah Laukart

Consultants

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/ 

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.

http://equinesarcoid.co.uk/

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.

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

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/

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Staff

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Services

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“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

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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

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Address

359 Belgrave-Hallam Road
Narre Warren North
VIC 3804