It all started with Chiefton...
Behind every horse lover is the story of the horse mad child. For me, my first love was Chiefton!
From humble beginnings (check out that StackHat!!) learning to ride in Kalgoorlie, WA, an obsession started that hasn't really left.
Clients often ask me if I ride, and well I did to a certain point, however for me it has always been about the horse and how it moves rather than striving for my best at riding!
Hello.
My name is Dr Anushka von Oppen and I am proud to be offering a new equine service based in Nillumbik Shire, Victoria.
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I have dedicated my career to understanding equine movement, what causes lameness, the role of the spine in dysfunction, and diagnosing causes of poor performance in the sport horse.
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If you would like to know more about me and what set me on my path, read on below!
Professional Bio:
Dr Anushka von Oppen BSc BVMS MANZCVS (Eq Surg) Cert Vet Chiro (IAVC)
After graduating from Murdoch University in 2005, I started my veterinary career working as an intern at Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital. This job exposed me to so many different facets in equine practice, and set me on a path in wanting to understand the causes of equine lameness and poor performance.
In 2007 I completed my membership examinations with the Australian College of Veterinary Surgeons in Equine Surgery. Then in 2010, I started education through the International Society on Equine Locomotor Pathology (ISELP), where I learnt about functional anatomy, biomechanics and advanced imaging techniques.
This lead me to a job in France working alongside world leading lameness clinician and ultrasonographer, Pr. Jean-Marie Denoix. During this time I developed a passion for diagnosis of low grade lameness, ultrasonography and ultrasound guided treatment techniques. I also enjoyed the honour of translating Pr. Denoix’s latest biomechanics text, “Biomechanics and Physical Training of the Horse” from French to English.
Working in this progressive clinic also taught me about the importance of pro-active patient management. How when armed with the correct information and insights, we can adapt our patient management to optimise the outcomes for our horses.
On returning to Australia, I worked in WA for 8 years in a sport horse practice, with a focus on lameness, poor performance and the use of ultrasonography in particular for the further work up of spinal pathology. Although I found diagnostic imaging a very rewarding tool when it came to the spine, however I continually asking:
'how do I know if this lesion is causing a clinical problem in my patient?'.
This question lead me to completing my certification in Veterinary Chiropractic through the IAVC (International Association of Veterinary Chiropractic) in Germany. Chiropractic techniques have been a very rewarding tool to interpret the clinical significance of the lesions I was finding on imaging. It has provided me with the ability to provide a holistic assessment of my patients and added a new perspective when assessing spinal biomechanics.
I am now completing further study through ABnR (Animal Biomechanics and Rehabilitation), ensuring that I am able to provide my patients with the latest management techniques not only from a pure veterinary perspective but an integrative approach.
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I love helping students and clients alike learn. I believe education is empowerment.
I am an FEI Veterinary Official, Permitted Treating Veterinarian and Testing Veterinarian.
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I am a mother to 3 beautiful young children and a wife to a wonderful husband. When I am not living and breathing horse vet stuff, you can find me working out at my local gym, exploring nature or spending time having a laugh with family and friends!
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