Tag: veterinarians
By Lindsay Berreth / Jump Media
If you have a performance mare that you wish to breed without interrupting her career, embryo transfer is a viable option. Palm Beach Equine Clinic (PBEC) in Wellington, FL, offers an extensive range of assisted and advanced reproductive procedures, including embryo transfer. With spring fast approaching, now is the time to plan.
PBEC President Dr. Scott Swerdlin highlights the advantages of the embryo transfer process, which has been utilized since the 1970s. This method is especially beneficial for sport horse mares that cannot afford to take time off for pregnancy. By using embryo transfer, you can continue riding your best mare while simultaneously breeding for your future champions. Additionally, embryo transfer is a viable option for mares with high genetic merit who cannot carry a foal. Some mares may have orthopedic issues that would be exacerbated by the extra weight of pregnancy, while others may have significant reproductive challenges, such as chronic uterine infections or a fibrotic uterus, which hinder their ability to conceive or support a developing pregnancy.
The first step in the embryo transfer process is embryo production. For this article, we are focusing on traditional in vivo embryo production vs in vitro embryo production. In vivo embryo production requires the donor mare to be bred, conceive, and produce an embryo that can then be transferred to a recipient mare. This necessitates the mare being off any hormones like Regumate® (altrenogest) or long-acting progesterone as they suppress the mare’s estrus cycle.
Strategic breeding management is essential to minimize disruptions to a mare’s training and competition schedule. This may include hormonal manipulation of the mare’s reproductive cycle, a series of reproductive examinations performed using transrectal palpation and ultrasound, a uterine culture and cytology, and breeding the mare by artificial insemination or via natural cover. It is also crucial to document the day and time of ovulation. Whether using fresh, cool-shipped, or frozen-thawed semen, the day and time of ovulation need to be documented to plan for the second and third steps of the process: embryo flush and transfer.
“Knowing the day of ovulation is important,” explained Dr. Swerdlin. “In the mare, fertilization and conception occur in the oviduct, where an embryo will remain for approximately 6 to 6.5 days before migrating to the uterus. Not knowing the day of ovulation might mean that the embryo is still in the oviduct at the time of the uterine flush. Conversely, if the embryo is further along in development, it becomes larger and more fragile, which decreases the chances of a successful outcome.”
To minimize disruptions to the mare’s schedule, most of the process can be performed on-farm, or owners can elect to come to PBEC on an outpatient basis. Veterinarians will closely monitor the mare’s estrus cycle to determine the optimum time for breeding, maximizing the chance of achieving a pregnancy.
“To improve our chance for success, once we determine that the mare is ready, the dominant pre-ovulatory follicle is stimulated to release the oocyte (egg) by administering an ovulatory agent,” stated Dr. Swerdlin. “This ovulatory agent mimics the mare’s naturally occurring hormonal process, and when used appropriately, the majority of mares will ovulate within 24 to 48 hours post-administration.
“Timing the insemination in relation to ovulation is key to success,” he continued. “This is especially true when using frozen semen. For mares that will be inseminated with frozen-thawed semen, we suggest that they arrive at the clinic the same day that the ovulatory agent is administered. This ensures that we can inseminate the mare as close to the point of ovulation as possible.”
The next step is embryo recovery, which is performed 6.5 to 8 days post-ovulation. “The mare will come to the clinic, and the process takes about an hour,” said Dr. Swerdlin. “During this procedure, the donor mare’s uterus is flushed with several liters of embryo flush media. This fluid is recovered and filtered through a special embryo filter to capture the embryo.”
After the embryo is retrieved, it is washed and graded to determine embryo quality. Embryos are graded on a 4-point scale, which 1 indicating excellent quality and 4 indicating a degenerate or dead embryo. Finally, the embryo is prepared for either direct transfer into a recipient mare, shipment to a recipient herd, or frozen for future use.
The final step in the process is the embryo transfer, which requires careful coordination. The success of this procedure is heavily dependent on selecting a suitable recipient mare, taking into account factors such as the mare’s age, size, maternal behavior, synchronization, and overall reproductive health.
“Owners can provide their own recipient mare, but we often recommend that mare owners utilize a leased recipient mare,” noted Dr. Swerdlin. “Numerous recipient herds are located throughout the country, with the closest ones being in the Ocala area. Currently, recipient mares are in very high demand, and each herd has a limited number of contracts available per year. One key advantage of using a recipient herd is that it allows multiple mares to be synchronized to match your individual mare’s ovulation date rather than relying on a single client-owned recipient. For those who prefer to use their own mare, our reproductive specialists at PBEC can manage the synchronization of the recipient mare and perform the embryo transfer.”
The embryo transfer procedure takes place at the clinic. The recipient mare is gently restrained in stocks with the aid of mild sedation. The embryo is carefully loaded into a transfer gun, which is guided trans-cervically into the mare’s uterus. Once the position has been confirmed, the embryo is deposited into the base of the uterine horn. A reproductive ultrasound is performed between three to seven days afterward to assess the uterine environment and confirm that the embryo is developing properly. Recipient herds will often report pregnancies between day seven to nine after transfer.
Dr. Swerdlin noted that the success rate for embryo recovery varies based on the type of semen used and the donor mare. “When using fresh and cool-shipped semen, embryo production rates can reach between 70% and 90%,” he said. “With frozen-thawed semen, the rates are lower, ranging from 50% to 60%. Overall, the success rate of the embryo transfer ranges from 70% to 90%, depending on the quality of both the recipient mare and the embryo.”
Embryo transfer provides an effective and practical solution for sport horse owners and breeders. As the demand for top sport horses increases, it continues to be a valuable tool for those looking to breed that special mare.
For more information on embryo transfer and other reproductive services offered at PBEC, visit www.equineclinic.com or call 561-793-1599.
Originally from northern California, Dr. Janet Greenfield Davis grew up competing on the hunter circuit which sparked her interest in equine veterinary medicine. She completed her undergraduate degree at California Polytechnic State University, and went on to complete veterinary school at the University of Glasgow. While in the UK, she became a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
After completing an internship at Palm Beach Equine Clinic in 2010, Dr. Greenfield Davis studied traditional Chinese veterinary medicine at the Chi Institute. In addition to providing western medicine, Dr. Greenfield Davis employs eastern medicine as a certified veterinary acupuncturist and Chinese herbal medicine expert.
When not seeing patients, Dr. Greenfield Davis enjoys cheering on her clients at competitions, swing dancing, and spending time with her husband, fellow Palm Beach Equine Clinic veterinarian Dr. Tyler Davis, and their two daughters. We featured Dr. Greenfield Davis nearly 10 years ago and have caught up with her to see how things have changed in a decade.
1. Our last Q&A with you was in 2015 when your girls were just babies – what’s it like now balancing your veterinary career with older kids that have interests of their own? Are horses part of their lives?
It is certainly different having older children and practicing veterinary medicine. Maisie is now 9 and Zella is 11. They do have interests of their own. Gone are the days of loading everyone in the truck and working through naptime. Now I adjust my workday to accommodate after-school sports and homework. While they sometimes enjoy riding around with me on calls they would prefer to do something else. I try much harder to take my weekends off to spend time with them. I feel like these are the years they will remember the most, and I don’t want those memories to be of their iPads. Instead, it can be of their parents prying their iPads from their little fingers to go clean the turtle tank on a bright Saturday afternoon.
The girls did attempt riding for a while, but it didn’t stick. Their horse time is preferably spent at the clinic where they can watch all their favorite vets perform procedures and then have Dr. Swerdlin make them hot cocoa. There is a secret ingredient but it is not mine to divulge.
2. Is acupuncture still a big part of your practice? How do you see it help horses in day-to-day management?
It is! My acupuncture practice encompasses about 80% of what I do. We use acupuncture for pain relief and management, post-surgical rehabilitation, vices, nervous horses, lameness, and so much more. I also work in Equine Rehabilitation to help strengthen training practices and improve agility.
3. How does working with Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center still hold meaning for you? What are your usual duties there?
I have been the primary veterinarian at Vinceremos for 14 years with aid from my colleagues. It is beneficial work and of course it holds meaning for me. I know many of the clients and after so many years, the Vinceremos horses feel like my own.
4. Are there still other programs outside of PBEC that you work with in the community?
I mainly volunteer at my kids’ school when I can. I have a career day coming up. I eagerly anticipate the questions asked by kindergarten to fifth grade students. They always surprise me, and we usually have a good laugh.
5. Do you work with the internship program at PBEC? What are the benefits of that program for the clinic and for you as a vet?
I do work with the internship program at PBEC, and actually, all our vets do. Our clinic trains new graduates into confident, seasoned veterinarians.
6. Have you had any additional continuing education or certifications since you became a certified equine rehabilitation practitioner?
Nothing new yet. I am currently working to further myself as an FEI delegate.
7. What do you find is most fulfilling still in your career?
The most fulfilling part of veterinary medicine is having a happy client and a happy horse. It doesn’t matter if it is a colic or helping to achieve their competitive goals. The satisfaction is knowing that everyone is healthy and happy.
8. What is something you have seen or heard about that is developing in the veterinary industry that you are excited about?
The veterinary field is constantly changing. New research is done every day. I am excited about it all!
A recent popular post on PBEC’s social media was about retired Davie County, FL, police horse Charlie, who injured himself in true equine fashion – spectacularly and with no one knowing how – during the night while turned out in a field. Charlie was adopted by the mother of one of the Davie County police officers who also works for the Sheriff’s Department. They brought Charlie to PBEC to repair a large laceration on his side.
Dr. Michelle Maguire was on hand to care for Charlie and explained the steps it took to get him back to healing. Dr. Maguire and her team administered intravenous sedation in order to repair with him standing up then injected local anesthesia around the circumference of the laceration, which measured approximately 12 by 18 inches.
“This case was particularly challenging because it was a very large area with multiple flaps and went through many layers, including skin, subcutaneous tissue, and the muscle layers overlying the thorax,” said Dr. Maguire. “Luckily there was no penetration into the thoracic cavity.”
Dr. Maguire used walking sutures to close the laceration, extending from the skin flap’s deep dermis to the underlying fascia of the body wall. This approach helps eliminate
dead space to help prevent seroma formation and infection, reduce skin tension, promote wound closure, and lower the risk of dehiscence, a surgical complication where a wound ruptures along the incision after surgery.
Because the skin can’t handle tension, you can’t just suture the skin itself. Dr. Maguire also used a Jackson Pratt drain, a commonly used surgical drain that provides a constant, low suction to pull fluid from a surgical incision site to decrease swelling and reduce the risk of infection. The drain consists of a thin, rubber tube and a soft, round squeeze bulb, or “grenade” on the end that maintains negative pressure and allows for an active drainage system.
Dr. Maguire noted that Charlie’s prognosis is very good, and he is expected to make a full recovery. He has been doing well at home, and the wound has held together without dehiscence.
She added, “The aftercare protocol was a course of systemic antibiotics and anti-inflammatories, along with maintaining a compressive for the first two weeks postoperatively until skin sutures were removed.
“The horse handled everything very well,” she continued. “He was in pain the first day postoperatively, but as the inflammation subsided, he was a normal happy horse.”
The team at Palm Beach Equine Clinic is happy to report that Charlie is back home grazing. While he will have a scar, it won’t affect his quality of life, and he will have quite a story to tell his friends!
Meet PBEC Intern Valentine Prié DVM
Valentine Prié DVM earned her veterinary degree in Croatia and spent time in several equine clinics in Europe before heading to the United States in 2024 to broaden her knowledge. She’s part of the class of 2024/2025 interns at the Palm Beach Equine Clinic (PBEC) in Wellington, FL.
Where are you from?
I’m from Normandy in the northwest part of France. For the last six years, I have mostly lived in Croatia, where I did both my undergraduate and vet school work. In 2024, I moved to the U.S. and have been an intern at PBEC since July.
What is your background with horses?
I started riding when I was 5 years old. My family were ranchers, and we had a cattle and horse farm, so I was always around horses. I did mostly show jumping.
What brought you to PBEC?
I always wanted to be a vet — it was not even a question. My great-grandfather founded a vet school in France, and my brother is also going to graduate as an equine vet. It’s in the family!
I moved to Croatia shortly after turning 18 and graduated from the University of Zagreb’s vet school. During my fifth year, I spent some time in Austria at the University of Vienna. This year, I completed part of my final rotation at UC Davis in California.
I wanted to explore as many different approaches to equine medicine as possible. Things here in the U.S. are done differently, not just technique, but the approach to patient care and communication and the use of medications. My goal is to have, as much as possible, an open mind to veterinary practice.
When I complete the program at PBEC, I will head to going to Hagyard in Kentucky for a specialized internship.
What is the process of becoming an intern at PBEC?
I came to PBEC two years ago for a summer externship. After staying in touch with some previous interns and employees at the clinic, I applied last winter, had my interview in February, and in March, Dr. Swerdlin started helping me with the visa process. I began the internship in July.
What is the program like?
It’s been busy! I want to see as much as possible and experience all the areas of equine medicine — surgery, internal medicine, and ambulatory as well. It’s a really busy clinic with a high caseload and many veterinarians from various parts of the world, each withdifferent approaches to medicine and slightly different practices. That’s really beneficial for me to compare what can be done. It’s been a great learning experience. I see a lot and try to listen and remember!
What’s a typical day like for you?
Our schedule is organized on rotation, so we do two weeks of anesthesia, two weeks of surgery, two weeks of hospitalization/internal medicine, two weeks of ambulatory, and two weeks of overnight. Depending on which rotation I am on, the day is different.
Usually, you check the patients assigned to you for your rotation — I will do a full physical examination and write notes for every patient. After rounds, we get everything ready; for instance, with surgery, we bring the horse and assist with the surgery and the recovery of our patient. Then we take care of their treatment plan.
What do you do in your free time?
I’m a runner. I’m preparing for the Miami Marathon in February. I did the Toronto Marathon in 2024. And I read! I love all the French classical novels and poetry. I read a lot of equine medicine articles and books, too.
Palm Beach Equine Clinic (PBEC), an exceptional equine healthcare facility, will return as the Official Veterinarian of the 2022 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) and Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) running through April 3, 2022, at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) and Equestrian Village in Wellington, FL. PBEC also provides Official Veterinarian services for the 2022 season at the International Polo Club Palm Beach.
Palm Beach Equine Clinic is celebrating its 40th anniversary of providing top equine health care to both the year-round residents as well as horses coming for the winter season. The state-of-the-art facility is located at the intersection of Southfields and Pierson Roads in the center of Wellington, right down the road from PBIEC, the Equestrian Village, and the International Polo Club Palm Beach.
The team at Palm Beach Equine Clinic includes more than 35 veterinarians and provides expertise in almost all areas of equine health and treatment. Palm Beach Equine Clinic offers specialized sports medicine with trusted veterinarians and staff that understand the commitment it takes to care for a high-level equine competitor. The talented team offers a wide variety of services such as internal medicine, emergency care, reproduction and fertility, alternative medicine, regenerative medicine, dentistry, podiatry, and more.
Palm Beach Equine Clinic provides cutting-edge technology paired with knowledgeable and dedicated staff. The facility offers advanced diagnostic imaging with board-certified radiologists on staff as well as surgical services with three board-certified surgeons. Additionally, all primary veterinarians can refer clients to Palm Beach Equine Clinic for their innovative imaging technologies and surgical center.
In addition to the full-service equine clinic, Palm Beach Equine Clinic veterinarians will be on the showgrounds at the annex office located adjacent to the WEF stabling office on the PBIEC showgrounds. Palm Beach Equine Clinic veterinarians will be onsite daily during WEF and AGDF to assist all competing horses throughout the shows with performance evaluations, diagnostics, and treatments, as well as emergency care and standard horse care needs.
“It’s always an honor to take care of the best horses in the world that come to Wellington each winter,” said Palm Beach Equine Clinic President Dr. Scott Swerdlin. “Being on-site at the showgrounds really allows us to provide high- quality and immediate veterinary care for all of the horses competing.”
Offering exceptional knowledge, capabilities, and commitment, the team at Palm Beach Equine Clinic is thrilled to once again help equine athletes perform to the best of their abilities during the Wellington winter show season and beyond.
What To Expect After the Unexpected Strikes
Featured on Horse Network
Every owner dreads having to decide whether or not to send their horse onto the surgical table for colic surgery. For a fully-informed decision, it is important that the horse’s owner or caretaker understands what to expect throughout the recovery process.
Palm Beach Equine Clinic (PBEC) veterinarian Weston Davis, DVM, DACVS, assisted by Sidney Chanutin, DVM, has an impressive success rate when it comes to colic surgeries, and the PBEC team is diligent about counseling patients’ owners on how to care for their horse post-colic surgery.
“After we determine that the patient is a strong surgical candidate, the first portion of the surgery is exploratory so we can accurately define the severity of the case,” explained Dr. Davis. “That moment is when we decide if the conditions are positive enough for us to proceed with surgery. It’s always my goal to not make a horse suffer through undue hardship if they have a poor prognosis.”
Once Dr. Davis gives the green light for surgical repair, the surgery is performed, and recovery begins immediately.
“The time period for the patient waking up in the recovery room to them standing should ideally be about 30 minutes,” continued Dr. Davis. “At PBEC, we do our best to contribute to this swift return by using a consistent anesthesia technique. Our team controls the anesthesia as lightly as we can and constantly monitors blood pressure. We administer antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-endotoxic drugs, and plasma to help combat the toxins that the horse releases during colic. Our intention in the operating room is to make sure colic surgeries are completed successfully, but also in the most time-efficient manner.”
Colic surgery recovery often depends on the type and severity of the colic. At the most basic level, colic cases can be divided into two types – large intestine colic and small intestine colic – that influence the recovery procedures and outlook.
Large intestinal colic or impaction colic is characterized by the intestine folding upon itself with several changes of direction (flexures) and diameter changes. These flexures and diameter shifts can be sites for impactions, where a firm mass of feed or foreign material blocks the intestine. Impactions can be caused by coarse feeds, dehydration, or an accumulation of foreign materials such as sand.
Small intestinal colic or displacement colic can result from gas or fluid distension that results in the intestines being buoyant and subject to movement within the gut, an obstruction of the small intestine, or twisting of the gut. In general, small intestinal colics can be more difficult than large intestinal colics when it comes to recovery from surgery.
“Many people do assume that after the colic surgery is successfully completed their horse is in the clear,” said Dr. Chanutin. “However, during the first 24 to 48 hours after colic surgery, there are many factors that have to be closely monitored.
“We battle many serious endotoxic effects,” continued Dr. Chanutin. “When the colon isn’t functioning properly, microbial toxins are released inside the body. These microbials that would normally stay in the gastrointestinal tract then cause tissue damage to other bodily systems. We also need to be cognizant of the possibility of the patient developing laminitis, a disseminated intervascular coagulation (overactive clotting of the blood), or reflux, where a blockage causes fluids to back up into the stomach.”
Stages after surgery
Immediately Post-Surgery
While 30 minutes from recumbent to standing is the best-case scenario, Dr. Davis acknowledges that once that time period passes, the surgical team must intervene by encouraging the horse to get back on its feet.
Once a horse returns to its stall in the Equine Hospital at PBEC, careful monitoring begins, including physical health evaluations, bloodwork, and often, advanced imaging. According to Dr. Davis, physical exams will be conducted at least four times per day to evaluate the incision and check for any signs of fever, laminitis, lethargy, and to ensure good hydration status. An abdominal ultrasound may be done several times per day to check the health of the gut, and a tube may be passed into the stomach to check for reflux and accumulating fluid in the stomach.
“The horse must regularly be passing manure before they can be discharged,” said Dr. Chanutin. “We work toward the horse returning to a semi-normal diet before leaving PBEC. Once they are at that point, we can be fairly confident that they will not need additional monitoring or immediate attention from us.”
Returning Home
Drs. Davis and Chanutin often recommend the use of an elastic belly band to support the horse’s incision site during transport from the clinic and while recovering at home. Different types of belly bands offer varying levels of support. Some simply provide skin protection, while others are able to support the healing of the abdominal wall.
Two Weeks Post-Surgery
At the 12-to-14-day benchmark, the sutures will be removed from the horse’s incision site. The incision site is continuously checked for signs of swelling, small hernias, and infection.
At-Home Recovery
Once the horse is home, the priority is to continue monitoring the incision and return them to a normal diet if that has not already been accomplished.
The first two weeks of recovery after the horse has returned home is spent on stall rest with free-choice water and hand grazing. After this period, the horse can spend a month being turned out in a small paddock or kept in a turn-out stall. They can eventually return to full turnout during the third month. Hand-walking and grazing is permittable during all stages of the at-home recovery process. After the horse has been home for three months, the horse is likely to be approved for riding.
Generally, when a horse reaches the six-month mark in their recovery, the risk of adverse internal complications is very low, and the horse can return to full training under saddle.
When to Call the Vet?
Decreased water intake, abnormal manure output, fever, pain, or discomfort are all signals in a horse recovering from colic surgery when a veterinarian should be consulted immediately.
Long-Term Care
Dr. Davis notes that in a large number of colic surgery cases, patients that properly progress in the first two weeks after surgery will go on to make a full recovery and successfully return to their previous level of training and competition.
Depending on the specifics of the colic, however, some considerations need to be made for long-term care. For example, if the horse had sand colic, the owner would be counseled to avoid sand and offer the horse a selenium supplement to prevent a possible relapse. In large intestinal colic cases, dietary restrictions may be recommended as a prophylactic measure. Also, horses that crib can be predisposed to epiploic foramen entrapment, which is when the bowel becomes stuck in a defect in the abdomen. This could result in another colic incident, so cribbing prevention is key.
Generally, a horse that has fully recovered from colic surgery is no less healthy than it was before the colic episode. While no one wants their horse to go through colic surgery, owners can rest easy knowing that.
“A lot of people still have a negative association with colic surgery, in particular the horse’s ability to return to its intended use after surgery,” said Dr. Davis. “It’s a common old-school mentality that after a horse undergoes colic surgery, they are never going to be useful again. For us, that situation is very much the exception rather than the rule. Most, if not all, recovered colic surgery patients we treat are fortunate to return to jumping, racing, or their intended discipline.”
Meet the PBEC Team: Dr. Caitlin Hosea
Get to know our team of equine veterinarians
Read more about Dr. Caitlin Hosea by clicking here.
Where are you from originally, and where did you complete your undergraduate degree?
Dr. Hosea: I was born and raised in Santa Barbara, California. I received my bachelor’s in animal science at the University of Kentucky with an emphasis on equine studies.
What is your background with horses?
Dr. Hosea: I started riding at a very young age. Through junior high and high school, I was a working student at a hunter/jumper barn. I groomed and taught summer camps to pay for my lessons and shows. During undergrad, I worked as a groom and rider for a few different barns in Lexington and continued to show my horse. I have a new horse now – one of my favorites from the racetrack that was given to me. He’s shown some talent over fences. Hopefully you’ll see us in the jumper ring soon!
What inspired you to become an equine veterinarian?
Dr. Hosea: My interest in veterinary medicine developed after moving to Kentucky. My goal had always been to ride professionally. That all changed when I got a job as a veterinary technician. I spent four years working at a large equine hospital. I also had a second job as a technician for a racetrack veterinarian. During that time, I gained a wealth of knowledge and exposure to a wide variety of interesting cases and eventually decided that I wanted to go to vet school.
What do you enjoy most about working at Palm Beach Equine Clinic?
Dr. Hosea: I love the variety of cases we treat in the hospital and the opportunities to learn from our large team of talented veterinarians. I always enjoy spending time at WEF as well. I feel very lucky to be able to watch some of the best riders and horses in the world compete at one of the best venues in the country. As a junior, I idolized riders such as Beezie Madden, Margie Engle, and Eric Lamaze to name a few. While onsite at WEF, I am able to watch those riders (as well as a long list of other talented equestrians) compete at the highest levels in person. It’s like having floor seats at a Lakers game.
What aspects of equine medicine interest you most, and what types of cases do you find most rewarding?
Dr. Hosea: Sport horse lameness, podiatry, equine neonatal medicine, and diagnostic imaging, especially ultrasound. Complicated lameness cases are what I really enjoy. After my internship at PBEC, I spent five years working at Keeneland as a racetrack veterinarian. During that time, I was fortunate enough to work with some remarkable horsemen and truly amazing horses. For me, being part of a team that works together to advance a horse’s athletic career is incredibly rewarding.
What experience do you have with equine podiatry?
Dr. Hosea: I’ve always had a strong interest in podiatry. Between my second and third year of veterinary school, I spent eight weeks completing a farrier certification program at Oklahoma State Horse Shoeing School in Ardmore, Oklahoma. During this time, I was shoeing horses every day as well as building hand-made horseshoes in a fire from plain bar stock. By the time I finished, I could shoe a horse all the way around; build, shape, and fit steel shoes; draw clips; and weld bar shoes.
Palm Beach Equine Clinic Provides Veterinary Students Opportunities to Further Education and Career
The path of veterinary medicine involves many years of devotion to education, both at the undergraduate and graduate level, prior to putting that knowledge into practice. Only a handful of those students choose to pursue equine medicine, and an even smaller subset then take on the challenge of becoming a board-certified specialist in their chosen field.
Since its inception 40 years ago, Palm Beach Equine Clinic (PBEC) has been committed to supporting the next generation of equine veterinarians and has provided numerous students, at various stages in their education, with learning opportunities and mentorship. Through externship, internship, and residency programs, PBEC has helped prepare students and veterinary graduates to lay the groundwork for successful future careers.
Equine Medicine in the Equestrian Capital
One of the key benefits of the programs is that PBEC is based in Wellington, Florida, an area that has rightfully earned its title of “Winter Equestrian Capital of the World.” The region is home to show jumping, dressage, polo, racing, and western performance horses; allowing ample opportunities for veterinarians to become well-rounded sports medicine practitioners.
“We are one of the foremost equine medical centers in North America and based in the epicenter of the equine industry,” said Dr. Scott Swerdlin, the president of PBEC who also spearheads the clinic’s Internship Committee. “The opportunities we are able to offer students looking to pursue a career in sports medicine are unmatched. In this regard, we are fortunate to attract top talent from some of the most prestigious universities around the world. Our interns get to be part of all the action and learn in an environment where every aspect of the horse’s health is examined with a fine-tooth comb.”
A Melting Pot of Expertise
PBEC’s team encompasses over 35 veterinarians who hail from across the U.S. and abroad to Canada, Colombia, Argentina, Australia, the U.K., and beyond. Their areas of expertise are wide-ranging, from lameness to acupuncture and breeding to dentistry, including board-certified specialists in surgery, diagnostic imaging, and internal medicine.
Dr. Sidney Chanutin grew up immersed in the horse world and spent time shadowing nearly every veterinarian at PBEC while she was in high school. After earning her doctorate in veterinary medicine from the University of Florida, she returned to officially join the PBEC team as an intern.
“What I most enjoyed about my internship was learning from a diverse group of veterinarians,” said Dr. Chanutin, “along with their different backgrounds, styles of working, and varied approaches to problem-solving. Everyone is willing to help and offer their unique perspective, so it’s a truly cohesive team.”
The first introduction to PBEC for many students is an externship. Qualified veterinary students in their final years of school can spend a few weeks with the PBEC team shadowing emergency cases in the hospital, on ambulatory calls, and at sports medicine appointments at the industry’s top competition venues. Externships also act as an introduction to the practice for many students seeking an internship upon graduation. This allows both the aspiring veterinarian and the PBEC team to become familiar with each other and see if it may potentially be a good match for a 12-month internship position.
Dr. Santiago Demierre is originally from Argentina and completed his degree in veterinary medicine from the Universidad de Buenos Aires in 2012. He validated his veterinary degree in the United States in 2017 through a certification program with the American Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Demierre was an integral part of PBEC initially as an intern before becoming an official staff veterinarian.
“The high caseload and long-term partnerships working and learning alongside great veterinarians helped me not only in improving my professional skills and knowledge but also with other aspects such as communication with clients and colleagues,” Dr. Demierre reflected.
Unlike in human medicine, internships are optional for veterinarians. Once a veterinarian passes the necessary state board exams, they can start treating animals on day one out of school. Choosing to work under the supervision and mentorship of experienced veterinarians allows interns to apply their years of learning in the classroom into clinical practice. At PBEC, interns can learn with the aid of advanced technologies in diagnostic imaging, innovative regenerative therapies, reproduction and fertility software, and specialized surgical suites.
“While we can teach and provide them with a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience,” Dr. Swerdlin explained, “our interns in return are extremely valuable to us because they bring a fresh mindset and new ideas to the team,” explained Dr. Swerdlin. “The ability to work well with others, a good sense of humor, great work ethic, and most importantly, excellent communication skills are the qualities I look for in an intern.”
Never Stop Learning
Continuing education is a major component of a life in medicine. In addition to journal clubs, educational seminars, and opportunities to travel to professional conferences, students are always exposed to learning opportunities by working collaboratively with colleagues as well as visiting and referring veterinarians.
After completing their internship, most will pursue an associate veterinarian position, whether at PBEC, another private practice, a university, or work independently. Some will go a step further and advance their education through a residency program. Residencies are rigorous two to four year commitments—length dependent on the specialty—designed to give veterinarians the skillset, knowledge base, and experience required to become eligible for certification by veterinary medical specialty boards. Board-certified specialists are considered experts in their field and often treat complicated, difficult cases.
With board-certified specialists on staff, PBEC has provided residencies to select veterinarians over the years, including Dr. Michael Myhre. A graduate of Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Myhre fulfilled his surgical residency under the direction of PBEC’s board-certified surgeons Dr. Robert Brusie, Dr. Weston Davis, and Dr. Jorge Gomez. He assisted on over 568 surgeries over his three years at PBEC.
“Completing my residency at PBEC has allowed me to pursue my dream of becoming an equine surgeon and working at a large referral center in the northeast. I learned a great deal about all aspects of general surgery, but especially orthopedic surgery. We did many fracture repairs at PBEC, and I would love to continue focusing on these in the future. Without my time at PBEC, I wouldn’t be able to practice as I am now,” Dr. Myhre said.
Externs, interns, and residents are integral members of the equine hospital. It is part of PBEC’s mission to support the community, which includes the next generation of equine veterinarians.
Dr. Swerdlin said, “Teaching and mentoring young veterinarians and watching them grow into confident and competent practitioners gives me the greatest satisfaction.” To learn more about externships, internships, and other opportunities with Palm Beach Equine Clinic, please visit equineclinic.com/internships-externships or call 561-793-1599.
Meet the PBEC Team: Dr. Gretchen Syburg
Servicing clients in Ocala, Florida, throughout the winter season, Dr. Gretchen Syburg is the newest addition to the Palm Beach Equine Clinic Team. Get to know a little about Dr. Syburg by reading on!
What is your background with horses?
I grew up on a farm in southeastern Wisconsin and have had horses since before I can remember. I have ridden in many disciplines but have been part of the hunter/jumper community for the past 15 to 20 years. I am definitely a “horse person” through and through, and I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be an equine veterinarian.
I completed my undergraduate degree at Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin, then obtained my degree in veterinary medicine from the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. Upon graduating, I completed an internship at a large referral hospital in California. In California I was able to gain extensive experience in all aspects of equine medicine, especially in complex orthopedic and sports medicine cases. After that, I worked for a practice where I spent my summers in the Northeast, mainly following the show circuits, then winters in Florida before joining Palm Beach Equine Clinic.
Why did you want to become an equine veterinarian?
Growing up on a farm, animals have always been a huge part of my life. My love for animals was evident at a young age, when I would spend my free time in the barn with our variety of animals. I caught the horse bug when I was five, and from then on it was clear my path was to pursue veterinary school. I knew that the equine veterinary industry was where my interest would lie due to the complex and interesting cases I had seen come through our farm.
What area do you specialize in?
I am on the road year-round, spending my summers in southeastern Wisconsin, servicing clients throughout the Midwest. During the winter months, I am in Ocala, Florida, providing care to patients at both HITS and WEC horse shows. Being an ambulatory veterinarian, I offer a very broad range of services to cover the needs of my patients and clients. I focus primarily on sports medicine and the performance horse, but emergency medicine and basic internal medicine cases are another part of my caseload.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I cherish the relationships that I build, not only with my equine patients, but also with clients. Being a horse person, I really understand the deep connections that my clients have with their horses. Having owned horses myself, I can relate to the trials and tribulations of horse ownership.
I appreciate being able to see all our collective efforts come to fruition when my clients are able to compete their horses or achieve their goals. I admire the moments when clients are grateful for their horse’s health above all else; it truly is a team effort and I love being able to see the reward of a horse in optimal health.
When not treating patients, what do you enjoy doing or where can we find you?
I enjoy spending as much time as possible outside, riding my horse Nike or hiking with my dog Luna. Most of the time you will find me in the barn or enjoying the occasional horse show. I am grateful for the time during the summer with my family in Wisconsin, we still have a small farm and now
Dr. Janet Greenfield Davis has recently notched another professional title to her name as a Certified Equine Rehabilitation and Performance Veterinarian (CERPV). The certification through the Integrative Veterinary Medical Institute aims to enhance the high-level sport horse medicine practitioner’s ability to localize the root cause of performance deficits, evaluate the horse’s biomechanics on a segmented level, and select the appropriate rehabilitation tools. The CERPV distinguishes veterinarians who possess the knowledge and skills to spot slight variations in a horse’s gait and performance before they lead to lameness and deliver an elevated quality of rehabilitation management.
“I chose to pursue this certification as an extension of my understanding of the many intricacies with both movement and muscle of the sport horse. This deeper understanding goes toward helping keep my clients’ horses in the best condition for peak performance, heal stronger after injury, and prevent injuries from happening in the first place.”
Dr. Greenfield Davis
Dr. Greenfield Davis built on her knowledge of how the equine athlete functions through in-depth courses on the anatomy, biomechanics, and neuromuscular control in performance horses. Specific courses focused on the physiology and function of muscles, tendons, and joints with an emphasis on ways to develop strong tissue to avoid injury. Dr. Greenfield Davis analyzed how and when to apply specific rehabilitation tools; lasers, therapeutic ultrasound, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, pulsed electro-magnetic field technology, vibration plates, hyperbaric therapy, hydrotherapy, and regenerative medicine. The certification also emphasized the effects of a foal’s environment on its future athletic performance, issues that may arise when conditioning young, growing horses, and nutrition at different levels of training.
This CERPV adds to her current titles of Bachelors of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVMS) from the University of Glasgow – a degree akin to US based universities’ Doctor of Veterinary Medicine – and her designation as a Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (MRCVS). Dr. Greenfield also earned her Certification in Veterinary Acupuncture (CVA) through the Chi Institute (presently Chi University) which she applies to her large and small animal patients. Acting as a mentor to aspiring Chinese and alternative medicine practitioners, Dr. Greenfield has advised students enrolled in acupuncture studies. She has provided insight to many veterinary students through Palm Beach Equine Clinic’s Externship Program as well.