Business Details
Emergency
services
Equine Veterinary Care in Somerville, Victoria
Tweedie & Associates Equine Veterinary Services is a dedicated equine ambulatory practice committed to delivering exceptional veterinary care across the Mornington Peninsula, West Gippsland, and lower Yarra Valley. With over a decade of experience, our team prioritises excellence, compassion, and education-based solutions to ensure the well-being of horses and peace of mind for their owners. Our veterinarians utilise state-of-the-art mobile diagnostic equipment, including digital X-rays, ultrasound, and endoscopy, to provide comprehensive on-site care. Specialising in lameness diagnostics, pre-purchase examinations, dental care, and emergency services, we combine clinical expertise with a holistic approach to address each horse's unique needs.Our practice principal, Dr. Mike Tweedie, brings 19 years of experience in equine sports medicine, while our associate veterinarians and veterinary nurses contribute diverse expertise in performance horse care and rehabilitation. We uphold core values of integrity, teamwork, and customer service, ensuring tailored treatments that align with individual client preferences and budgets. Our 24/7 emergency service underscores our commitment to urgent care, and our transparent policies on payment, sedation, and diagnostic imaging reflect our dedication to trustworthiness and client education.
Services
Pre-purchase examinations
Lameness consultations
Dental care
Emergency services
Laminitis management
Diagnostic imaging
Castration procedures
Gastroscopy
Ultrasound
Radiography
Highlights and features
- We offer 24/7 emergency veterinary care for critical equine needs.
- All pre-purchase exams conducted by our principal veterinarian with 20+ years in equine sports medicine.
- Mobile diagnostics include digital X-rays, ultrasound, and endoscopy for on-site accuracy.
- Comprehensive lameness assessments using nerve blocks and targeted imaging modalities.
- Transparent pricing with fixed fees for routine dental examinations and sedation.
What people say
24/7 emergency availability
Detailed pre-purchase reports
Expert lameness diagnosis
Comprehensive dental care
Transparent pricing
Services
Pre-purchase examinations
Our pre-purchase examinations assess equine health and suitability for intended use, conducted by Dr. Mike Tweedie with 20+ years of experience. The five-stage clinical evaluation includes trotting, flexion tests, under-saddle observation, and diagnostic imaging like X-rays or ultrasound when needed. We provide a detailed written report within 24 hours, highlighting risks and pathology findings to inform purchasing decisions while prioritising transparency and client education.
Lameness consultations
Specialised lameness assessments combine comprehensive history-taking, nerve blocks, and targeted imaging to isolate pain sources. Our veterinarians use peri-neural and intra-articular blocks alongside X-rays or ultrasound to diagnose issues affecting performance. The process ensures accurate identification of clinically significant pathology, guiding tailored treatment plans that address both immediate symptoms and underlying causes for optimal recovery outcomes.
Dental examinations
Equine dental exams involve full-mouth sedation, speculum use, and detailed inspection of all teeth structures. We address sharp points, wolf teeth, and conditions like EORTH using power tools with thermal safety protocols. Each examination includes a written report and management plan, with optional oroscope imaging and radiographs available for complex cases, ensuring comprehensive oral health maintenance.
Emergency services
24/7 emergency coverage prioritises critical cases like colic, fractures, and respiratory distress, with Level 1 triage response within 20 minutes. Our mobile team handles acute laminitis, wounds, and neurological emergencies on-site, supported by portable diagnostics. Existing clients receive priority access, while new clients are accommodated when capacity allows, ensuring timely intervention for life-threatening conditions.
Diagnostic imaging
On-site imaging services include digital X-rays, ultrasound, endoscopy, and gastroscopy for real-time diagnostics. Our lameness locator system enhances precision in movement analysis, while portable equipment enables stall-side pathology testing. This mobile approach reduces transport stress for horses and accelerates treatment decisions through immediate image review and interpretation by experienced clinicians.
People
Dr. Mike Tweedie
Practice Principal, Veterinary Surgeon
Dr. Mike Tweedie has 19 years of equine veterinary experience, specialising in sports medicine and lameness diagnostics. He established Tweedie & Associates Equine Veterinary Services after internships in Australia and racetrack practice in Melbourne, focusing on performance horse rehabilitation and cell-based therapies.
Dr. Kaile Vuyk
Associate Veterinary Surgeon
Dr. Kaile Vuyk completed her veterinary degree at the Royal Veterinary College and a 12-month internship at Scone Equine Hospital. Her expertise spans equine medicine, surgery, and performance care, informed by lifelong experience as a competitive rider in hunter/jumper, foxhunting, and eventing disciplines.
Nurse Meg Stafford
Veterinary Nurse
Nurse Meg transitioned from small animal practice to equine nursing in 2022, completing specialist training. With 12 years of clinical experience and three horses of her own, she focuses on problem-solving and client communication, bringing dedication to patient care and team collaboration.
Nurse Jessica Delaney
Veterinary Nurse
Nurse Jessica combines childhood equestrian experience with formal veterinary nursing qualifications. Specialising in lameness workups and gastroscopy assistance, she owns a Thoroughbred she's retraining for dressage, reflecting her commitment to equine rehabilitation and performance optimisation.
Nurse Laura Grinblat
Veterinary Nurse
Nurse Laura joined the team in 2024, transitioning from small animal practice to equine nursing. With prior racing industry experience and three horses, she focuses on high-standard patient care, integrating her passion for equine health with veterinary nursing expertise.
Questions
What areas do you service?
We cover Mornington Peninsula, Cranbourne, West Gippsland, and lower Yarra Valley, grouping calls to reduce travel fees.
Do you provide emergency services for new clients?
Existing clients take priority, but we may assist new clients with urgent needs outside regular hours.
Can I purchase sedation for farriery work?
We require presence during sedation for safety and liability reasons, but provide it during our own procedures.
How do I obtain diagnostic images or medical history?
Copies are provided after account settlement, with digital access available for radiographic studies via our online repository.
What payment methods do you accept?
Cash, Visa, Mastercard (with 1.5% surcharge), and Zip Pay for flexible credit options.
