Come Interview the Vet With Me!

I’m sitting with Dr Kiley Kelly, large animal veterinarian to discuss equine health and her practice treating horses. First of all, how did you decide to become a vet? Dr Kelly,”I have always been interested in animals, specifically horses and grew up riding and caring for my own animals. I went to college to study animal science and knew after getting my bachelor’s degree that I would apply to a college that offered veterinary medicine. Eight years of college and I was ready to apply what I had learned and start a small practice.”

What would be a typical week in your animal practice? Dr Kelly, “I schedule patients for routine exams and general health concerns like vaccinations and tests typically two or three days per week. I schedule farm calls one or two days a week. I am also a licensed and certified equine chiropractor. Horses have a complex skeletal system and working animals are similar to human athletes and need to keep aligned and adjusted. This area of my practice has grown the most so I have dedicated one day a week to making farm calls for chiropractic work.”

How do you handle emergency cases? Dr Kelly, “Horses are prone to injury and illness, particularly colic and any time day or night. I am always on call for my regular patients to haul in to my clinic or to make a farm call after hours or on weekends since emergencies rarely occur during normal work hours.”

Do you perform surgery on horses? Dr Kelly, “At the clinic I suture wounds, and provide basic out-patient care. Surgery that requires anesthesia needs to be done at a large animal hospital with equipment and diagnostics for large animals.”

What would you say are some of your strengths as a large animal vet? Dr Kelly, “I thoroughly assess each animal and provide the owner with as much information as possible to make a good decision for the treatment of their animals. I believe in compassionate patient care and good communication. 

Thank you for taking the time to discuss your large animal practice Dr Kelly.