VETERINARIANS

Dr Kylie Splatt BVSc (Hons), MVSc, MANZCVS (Equine Medicine)

Kylie joined Barwon Equine Hospital in 2002. Her early days in practice were spent in mixed practice at Whittlesea, Broadford and Woodend. An internship in equine medicine and surgery at the University of Melbourne’s Werribee Equine Centre followed, where she worked alongside Dr Alistair Maclean, Dr Sally Church and Dr Geoff Hazard.

Kylie’s clinical areas of interest are internal medicine and reproductive medicine. Kylie can be found treating horses of all ages and sizes on any given day. She strives for great attention to detail in all her work and loves being able to make use of our diagnostic imaging equipment to facilitate a diagnosis for her clients and patients.

Dr Paul Kavenagh BVSc

A veterinarian with over 40 years of clinical experience, Paul’s career began in rural mixed practice in Camperdown, in south west Victoria. Moving away from dairy cattle practice and further exploring his interest in horses, Paul later moved to Geelong. It was then he founded a solely equine practice, which has developed and grown over time into Barwon Equine Hospital as we know it today.

With a lifelong attraction to the racing industry, lameness and poor performance are major areas of interest for Paul. Paul now works on a part time basis, which includes his weekly run to Colac, Camperdown etc.

Dr Claire Rowe BSc (distinction), LLB (Hons), BVSc (Hons), MANZCVS (Equine medicine)

Claire joined the practice in 2012. She is a graduate of the University of Melbourne, training under Dr Sally Church and Dr Chris Whitton. Claire grew up on a farm in south west Victoria, working with dairy then beef cattle. Claire has ridden horses from an early age and took up veterinary science following an extensive competition background. Her passion was eventing and she was selected on the Victorian Young Rider Squad in her youth.

Claire’s interests lie in imaging and sports medicine & rehabilitation. She is an accredited FEI permitted treating veterinarian and was a Jurox Scholar at the 2014 Bain Fallon Equine Veterinarians Conference. She is a past Victorian young member representative for Equine Veterinarians Australia. She attained her membership in Equine Medicine by examination in 2017. When not working she runs, gardens and spends time with her young family.

Dr Alice Curran BAg, BVSc

Alice joined Barwon Equine in early 2024, following graduation from James Cook University. Alice is a local equestrian and is involved on several local event committees. She continues to ride and compete as she begins her career as an equine veterinarian.

Alice has a keen interest in dental work and has attended post graduate training with Equine Dental Vets.

SUPPORT STAFF

Alison Rotherham

Alison is a ‘jill of all trades’ – responsible for taking calls, managing syndicate and account queries, mare swabs, booking jobs, assisting vets with patients and overseeing the daily running of the practice, when not looking after her horses Jet and Spike. Alison has an extensive background working in the vet nurse industry, having spent time at Ballarat, Avenel and Goulburn Valley.

Norm Tonks

Our business manager, Norm has worked with Paul since their time in Camperdown and has years of experience in practice management. Now working on a part-time basis, Norm spends his time away from the practice enjoying travelling with his wife and playing golf.

Josie Nicholson (Ferrari)

Josie began working at the clinic in 2022. Josie has ridden since childhood and is on several local PC and ARC committees.

Phoebe                                                                                                          

The clinic cat, Phoebe (aka Feedme) was the lucky one of several kittens at a local racing stable. Now living the life of luxury, she can often be found around the stables, keeping our patients company, or trying to charm our guests into feeding her!

Tyson

Tyson is the clinic’s constant equine resident. A calming influence on all patients in the hospital, Tyson has also proven an invaluable resource for the many veterinary students who pass through the clinic, patiently and safely allowing them to reinforce their anatomical knowledge and practical skills.