The Partners

 Dr Ian Fulton.  B.V.Sc., M.Sc., F.A.C.V.Sc.

Registered Specialist in Equine Surgery

Ian graduated from Melbourne University in 1983 and worked in private practice for 3 years in Kyabram and Adelaide. Between 1987 and 1990 Ian completed a residency in Equine Surgery at Michigan State University and also completed a Masters Degree, his Thesis being on laryngeal reinnervation in the horse. In 1992 Ian also became a member of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists in the Equine Surgery Chapter.

 

Ian started work at the Ballarat Veterinary Practice in 1990 and joined the Partnership in 1993. Along with current partners Bruce Sidebottom and Brian Anderson Ian has helped build the Equine Clinic at Miners Rest into the facility that exists today.

 

Ian's special interest is laryngeal reinnervation in horses. Since the original research project Ian undertook while at Michigan State University, he has operated on over 300 horses suffering from laryngeal hemiplegia or "roaring" as it is more commonly known. The nerve muscle pedicle graft that Ian helped develop while at Michigan State University is only performed at a few Veterinary  centres around the world. There are currently research projects being undertaken at Michigan State University and Melbourne University in an attempt to try and improve the success rates of this procedure.

 

Ian has spoken at many conferences in Australia and overseas. In 2003, Ian and Brian Anderson where the only two invited speakers to attend a workshop on laryngeal hemiplegia for the Havemeyer Foundation in England. Ian also travels frequently to Asia to perform surgery and consult for trainers at a number of racetracks. He also attends yearling sales for radiograph and horse assessments.

 

Ian is a committee member of the Ballarat Turf Club and while race horses make up a large part of his work he is always happy to provide service to all breeds of horses.

 

 

Dr Richard Lawrence.  B.Vet.Med.

Richard was born in the UK and trained at the Royal Veterinary College, qualifying in 1980. From there, Richard spent 5 years in busy rural practice learning the ropes and gaining experience in all aspects of general practice.

 

In 1980 he was offered a position to manage a small animal clinic in Melbourne and left the UK for a 1 year sabbatical abroad. 28 years later he is still in his adopted country and has been a partner of the Ballarat Veterinary Practice for 15 years.

 

Richard manages the Wendouree Veterinary Clinic spending most of his work hours there but also utilizes the main practice hospital facilities to pursue his interest in the more challenging surgical procedures.

 

Apart from his daily work at the clinic Richard has co-authored one book (Dogs for Dummies) and writes a weekly column for the Melbourne Herald-Sun

 

 

 Dr Brian Anderson.  B.V.Sc., M.V.Sc., M.S., Diplomate A.C.V.S.

Registered Specialist in Equine Surgery

Brian graduated from Massey University Veterinary School in New Zealand in 1986 as the leading student and with distinction. He practiced in mixed large animal practice in New Zealand and Australia for 2 years before accepting a position at Massey University for two years where he completed a thesis in Equine Pharmacology for a Master of Veterinary Science.  He then applied and was successful in gaining a residency position in Large Animal Surgery at the University of Minnesota in the United States from 1991-1994.  There he completed a Master of Veterinary Science in surgery, radiology and anaesthesiology and projects in navicular syndrome, hoof and pastern injuries and the use of medicated hoof acrylic for hoof disease in horses. He returned to Massey University to teach, research and perform referral equine surgery and was a Lecturer and then Senior Lecturer from 1994-2000.  In 1996 Brian passed the examination to become a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons to become a specialist in Large Animal Surgery in North America.
He moved to Australia and the Ballarat Veterinary Practice in September 2000 via the Sydney Olympics where he was one of two vets looking after the dressage and show jumping teams.  He became a partner in the practice in 2003 and has established with Ian Fulton and Bruce Sidebottom the equine hospital and referral service that is one of Australia’s leaders in the field of equine veterinary services.
As a surgeon Brian’s passion and love is respiratory tract and orthopaedic surgery.  He was the endoscopic consultant for New Zealand Bloodstock from 1996-2002 where he examined and adjudicated on the sales examination of the upper respiratory tract in thousands of Thoroughbred Yearlings.  He has over 17 years of experience and expertise in the field of Nuclear Scintigraphy (Bone Scanning) and referral lameness evaluation.  Together with Ian Fulton, Brian is one of the leading sales veterinarians in Australia when it comes to presale evaluation of radiographs and services some of Australia’s top buyers.
Brian is an invited speaker and he presents frequently to other veterinarians in Australia and internationally on topics relating to equine surgery and on results of research and clinical conditions evaluated at the Ballarat Veterinary Practice.
When not working Brian spends many hours playing with his three daughters, wining and dining with his wife, gyming, cycling and working on his 15 acre agistment farm where there are also 4 of the families horses, Lilly the Hungarian Vizsla and Rufus the Abyssinian.

 

 Dr Stewart Greedy B.V.Sc., M.A.C.V.Sc.


Stewart Grew up in Melbourne and attended the University of Melbourne, graduating from the Veterinary School in 1995.
His first job as a new graduate was here at the Ballarat Veterinary Practice. He spent three years working in the small animal clinic at Sturt Street, before leaving to gain veterinary experience in the UK and to travel.
Stewart worked in various practices throughout the UK from Newcastle-upon-Tyne on the northern border, to Hastings on the southern coast as well as Yorkshire, Surrey and London.
Stewart returned to Australia and recommenced work at Ballarat Veterinary Practice in July 2000, continuing to work as a companion animal clinician and surgeon.
In July 2002, Stewart gained membership to the Surgery Chapter of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists by examination in Small Animal Surgery.
Stewart joined the partnership in July 2007 and continues to enjoy veterinary work, particularly all aspects of surgery including soft tissue and orthopaedics.
For a number of years now, Stewart has been the resident veterinarian on "vet talk" for the "Ballarat Today" program on radio 3BA and in his leisure time is a keen musician and golfer.

 

Dr Andrew Cust    B.Sc., B.V.Sc.(Hons), M.V.Sc.

Andrew studied for a Bachelor of Science at Latrobe University before travelling overseas to England and Argentina. On returning to Australia, he studied Veterinary Science at the University of Melbourne and graduated in 2001, his studies having included a stint of practical experience here at the Ballarat Veterinary Practice.
Andrew started his career at the Kilmore Veterinary Practice, initially working  with both large and small animals. Andrew grew up on a horse stud, has played polo and has also worked casually for racing Victoria and Harness Racing Victoria, officiating at race meetings.
Andrew and his wife Louisa then moved to Macau, China to live and work for the Macau Jockey Club, working with 1000 horses stabled at the Macau racetrack, returning to Australia in 2008.
Andrew completed his Masters of Veterinary Studies, focussing on the relationship between horse hoof conformation and racing performance. Andrew joined the partnership in July 2010