Purpose built equine surgical facility opens

AVENEL Equine Hospital celebrated the official opening of a new purpose–built equine surgical facility, officiated by Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland MP on recently. Director and equine specialist surgeon Angus Adkins said they are very excited this facility is now operational. "It enables us to offer equine surgery at a gold standard level in an efficient and safe workplace," he said. "We have three dedicated and highly experienced surgeons, with a combined 100 years of surgical experience. "They have experience in all aspects of equine surgery, having international reputations, and trusted to care for the highest profile horses in the country. "The facility also compliments the newly completed surgery stable barn to accommodate our surgical cases, providing effective bio–security between elective procedures and hospitalised patients." Avenel Equine Hospital was purchased seven years ago by parent company Scone Equine Group, the largest equine veterinary practice in the Southern hemisphere. "As a group, we saw the opportunity to purchase this Victorian practice to establish a long term foothold in a growing equine region. "Since our purchase we have invested in our people and the facilities to cater for this growth. "We currently employ 11 veterinarians, five of whom have specialist training and 17 support staff. "We have added a purpose built laboratory, stabling for an additional 18 horses and now the recently completed surgical facility. "As the concentration of horses in the area increases, so too do the expectations of their owners for access to the latest veterinary knowledge and techniques. "This development will allow us to expand our services and keep at the forefront of equine veterinary science." Avenel Equine Hospital is a full service equine hospital located in the heart of Victoria's thoroughbred breeding region, providing comprehensive services to equine clients in the local area (Avenel, Nagambie, Seymour and Euroa). Its services range from routine vaccinations and health checks for ponies to 24–hour–a–day intensive care for newborn foals, lameness evaluation for sport horses to assisted reproduction. The hospital will provide full equine surgery, equine medicine, diagnostic imaging, equine reproduction, laboratory, pharmacy and referral service.