Veterinary Clinical Centre- Charles Sturt University

09/06/2026

✨Welcome Dr Yumi✨
The VCC has recently welcomed Dr Yumi De Barcelos Hayasaka to our equine internal medicine staff.

Yumi hails from Brazil where she completed her veterinary degree at the Universidade de São Paulo before continuing her training in the United States. She completed an equine internal medicine fellowship at a private practice in Kentucky, followed by a Large Animal fellowship at Oregon State University, and a three-year residency in large animal internal medicine at Purdue University, where she also earned a master’s in veterinary clinical science.

Yumi’s research interests involve clinical research, especially in the area of gastrointestinal, respiratory and endocrinology systems.

Making the big move to Wagga Wagga with Yumi is her cat Marble. We trust they are both settling in and enjoying all the things the Riverina has to offer.

05/06/2026

🐴 Equine CPD Seminar – Equine Endocrinology

The Charles Sturt University Veterinary Clinical Centre and Bova Aus warmly invites veterinarians to attend an upcoming Continuing Professional Development (CPD) seminar focused on Equine Endocrinology.

This session will explore the latest approaches to the diagnosis and management of common equine endocrine disorders encountered in practice, including Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID), and diagnostics. The program will combine clinical updates with practical case-based discussion to support evidence-based decision making in everyday equine practice.

This is an excellent opportunity to refresh your knowledge, discuss challenging cases, and engage with colleagues and clinicians working in equine health.

📍 Venue: Rules Club Wagga Wagga
📅 Date: Thursday 2nd July 2026
⏰ Time: 6:30pm - 9:30pm

All equine practitioners and mixed practitioners with an equine interest and veterinary students are welcome.

Book your tickets now via Eventbrite using the link or the QR code

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/equine-veterinary-cpd-seminar-tickets-1991160486616

We look forward to welcoming you.

03/06/2026

🐴 Just 2 Weeks to Go! – Caring for the Older Horse Seminar 🐴

Do you own, ride, or care for a senior horse? Join us for an informative evening dedicated to helping your older equine companion stay healthy, comfortable, and thriving in their golden years.

Our expert veterinarians will share practical advice on common health concerns, preventative care, and management strategies for ageing horses, with plenty of opportunities for questions and discussion.

🎤 Meet Our Speakers

Dr Naomi Kirkwood is an equine veterinarian and resident in equine internal medicine. With a number of industry accolades and published research, Naomi has a special interest in equine endocrine disorders and the health challenges commonly encountered in ageing horses.

Dr Claire Dennis is an equine veterinarian, has gained membership with the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in equine dentistry and is a dedicated and passionate lecturer at CSU.

Dr Gideon Stemmet is an experienced equine clinician having completed an internship in Equine Medicine and Surgery as well as his masters degree evaluating immobilisation anaesthesia in zebras. He obtained membership with the ANZCVS, commenced an equine surgical residency and is now a Lecturer in Equine Surgery at CSU.

📅 Date: Tuesday 16th June 2026
🕒 Time: 6pm - 9pm
📍 Location: Veterinary Clinical Centre CSU, Wagga Wagga

Whether your horse is entering its senior years or has been enjoying retirement for some time, this seminar will provide valuable insights to help you support their health and wellbeing.

Spaces are filling quickly, so be sure to register if you haven't already! Click the link below 👇
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/csu-equine-seminar-caring-for-the-older-horse-tickets-1989800679396?aff=oddtdtcreator

25/05/2026

🐴 Understanding PPID in Horses (Equine Cushing’s Disease)

Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction, commonly called PPID or “Equine Cushing’s Disease,” is a common hormonal condition affecting mainly older horses and ponies. It occurs when part of the pituitary gland becomes overactive, leading to excessive production of several hormones, including ACTH.

Common signs to watch for:
• Laminitis (a major complication)
• Long, curly, or delayed-shedding coat
• Increased drinking and urination
• Muscle loss or pot-bellied appearance
• Lethargy or reduced performance
• Recurrent infections

Why it matters
PPID can significantly affect a horse’s comfort, metabolism, immune function, and hoof health. Early diagnosis and management can greatly improve quality of life.

Diagnosis
Veterinarians commonly use blood tests measuring ACTH concentrations in blood, alongside clinical signs.

Management
While PPID cannot be cured, it can often be managed successfully with:
• Medication such as Pergolide
• Regular veterinary monitoring
• Good nutrition, preventative health care (e.g. vaccinations) and dental care
• Weight and hoof management
• Careful monitoring for laminitis

Key message
Older horses showing coat changes, weight loss, or laminitis should be checked for PPID. Early intervention can make a big difference.
With access to a brand new analyser (the Immulite 2000 at the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory), the VCC can deliver owners ACTH results in as little as 3 hours. Importantly we use a reference range for ACTH levels especially developed for horses in southern Australia. This is important as ACTH levels are seasonally (and therefore geographically) variable.

21/05/2026

This 5-year-old Australian Stock Horse gelding, was recently treated at the Veterinary Clinical Centre for a severe wound over his right hind fetlock that had penetrated the joint, causing a serious joint infection (synovial sepsis).

The gelding underwent surgery including arthroscopy and wound repair, followed by intensive treatment in hospital with targeted antimicrobial therapy, bandaging and joint immobilisation to aid healing.

Thanks to the dedication of his owners and ongoing management, at reassessment 6 weeks post-operatively the gelding was confirmed to be healing well and on the road to recovery. We’re thrilled with his progress and wish him all the best in his continued rehabilitation!

19/05/2026

‼️SEMINAR ALERT‼️ All welcome!

🐴 Caring for the Older Horse Seminar 🐴

As our horses age, their needs change — and understanding how to support them can make all the difference to their comfort, health, and quality of life.

Join us for an informative and practical seminar focused on:
✨ Common age-related health concerns like why they have hairy coats and bad feet
✨ Dental care
✨ Keeping older horses happy by preventing hoof related problems

Whether your horse is entering their golden years or already enjoying retirement, this seminar is designed to help owners provide the very best care.

📅 Tuesday 16th June 2026
📍 Veterinary Clinical Centre CSU
⏰ 6pm - 9pm

All horse owners welcome!
Please book your tickets now via Eventbrite using the link or the QR code below.
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/csu-equine-seminar-caring-for-the-older-horse-tickets-1989800679396?aff=oddtdtcreator

We look forward to seeing you there! 🐎

14/05/2026

A very big congratulations to Nurse Lyndy who this week celebrates 40 years in the veterinary nursing profession. A significant amount of this time has been spent helping our students and new graduates in all things small animals. How lucky are we!

11/05/2026

Our phone lines are not working this morning. If you need to call, please use our emergency mobile number 0419 385 049

03/05/2026

On International Star Wars Day we are asking the big question, if your horse was a character from Star Wars, which one would it be?

27/02/2026