Our entire staff takes pride in offering the best in medical and surgical treatment for your horse.

Dr. Robert Lewis is a graduate of the first veterinary medicine class from Louisiana State University in 1977. He began his career at the Elgin Veterinary Hospital and has been here ever since. Dr. Lewis was a pioneer in the development of arthroscopic surgery for horses in the early 1980's.

Dr. Lewis has participated in many professional organizations including Texas Veterinary Medical Association, American Veterinary Medical Association, Texas Horse Racing Association and American Association of Equine Practitioners (member since 1976) where he served as President from 1998 to 1999. Dr. Lewis has been a member of numerous committees including serving as the current Chairman of the Racing Medication & Testing Consortium.

Dr. Lewis is also a lifetime member of the American Quarter Horse Association, Texas Quarter Horse Association, Texas Thoroughbred Association and National Cutting Horse Association. Additionally Dr. Lewis served on the Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners from 1987 until 1994. Dr. Lewis has received many honors and awards including the Texas Veterinary Medical Association Equine Practitioner of the Year in 1984, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1990 (first ever recipient of this award), Texas Thoroughbred Association Man of the Year Award (twice) in 1991 and in 1992, AQHA Register of Merit Award (for service to industry) in 1990 and American Association of Equine Practitioners Distinguished Life Member Award in 2007.

Dr. Lewis is renowned for his surgical skill and has extensive experience with equine orthopedic surgery including long bone fractures and arthroscopy.

Dr. Tommy Hays III graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1985. His expertise in orthopedic and soft tissue surgery is an integral part of our surgery services. Dr. Hays' reputation as a skilled surgeon and keen eye for lameness brings in clientele from many neighboring states.

Dr. Hays has been active in many different organizations over the years including; Texas Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association Board of Directors since 2001 and President 2006 to present, Texas Quarter Horse Association Executive Committee 2004 to present and President in 2007, American Quarter Horse Association member/Texas National Board of Directors, Texas Thoroughbred Association member 1987 to present, American Association of Equine Practitioners 1985 to present, founding member Texas Equine Veterinary Medical Association and Board of Directors member, founding member Texas H.O.R.S.E. and Executive Committee member.

Dr Hays received the honor of Texas Veterinarian of the Year in 1994 and has had numerous speaking engagements locally and nationally.

Dr. Craig Niblett graduated from the Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1997. Dr. Niblett oversees all breeding aspects of the hospital including breeding with shipped semen, frozen semen, and embryo transfer. During the off season at the hospital, Dr. Niblett's primary focus is on equine sports medicine and lameness. Dr. Niblett also enjoys performing colic surgery.

Dr. Niblett serves on the Board of Directors for Double H Ranch Therapeutic Riding Center in Austin, TX. He is a member of many national organizations such as the American Association of Equine Practitioners, American Veterinary Medical Association, American Quarter Horse Association, Texas Equine Veterinarian Association, and the Texas Veterinary Medical Association.

Dr. Niblett and his wife have two children. He is a member of Austin Christian Fellowship church and is involved with many activities associated with his kids. Dr. Niblett enjoys golfing, boating, and anything involving the outdoors.

Dr. Brian Brandon came to EVH after graduating from LSU in 2000 to pursue an internship. Invited to stay on as an associate, Dr. Brandon has enjoyed honing his skills at EVH and is proficient in all areas of equine medicine. His special interests include colic surgery and lameness diagnosis and treatment. Dr Brandon has also enjoyed becoming involved in the race horse industry and is highly sought after for the management of the performance equine. Dr. Brandon is an active member in AAEP, LVMA, TVMA and TEVMA.

Dr. Kristi Underwood is a 2003 graduate of the University of Illinois. After finishing an internship at Elgin Veterinary Hospital, she was invited to stay on as an associate. Her primary interests are lameness and orthopedic surgery. She is active in local rescue organizations and enjoys performing orthopedic surgery on neglected horses to help give them the quality of life they deserve. Dr. Underwood participates in several professional organizations including AAEP, TVMA and TEVMA. Additionally she served on the committee for emergency and disaster preparedness from 2006-2008 for the AAEP.

Dr. Chad Baumwart is from western Oklahoma and is a graduate of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University. After graduating from veterinary school in 2004, Chad performed a one-year, large animal internship at the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph, Ontario. He then performed a one-year equine internship at the Littleton Large Animal Clinic in Littleton, Colorado, which was followed by a one-year academic appointment at the Oklahoma State University working in the large animal section. He then completed a three-year, large animal surgery residency at the University of Tennessee. After completing the residency, Chad successfully passed the board examination given by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Chad's interests are surgery of the upper airways, orthopedic surgery, and laparoscopic surgery. Dr. Baumwart is a member of several professional veterinary organizations, including American Association of Equine Practitioners, American Veterinary Medical Association and American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Dr. Claris Krueger is a Texas native and received her undergraduate degree from Texas Tech University followed by an undergraduate internship at the 6666's Ranch in Guthrie, Texas. She graduated from Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2009 and after completing a successful internship here at Elgin Veterinary Hospital stayed on as an associate. Dr. Krueger is currently a member of AAEP, TVMA, AVMA, TEVMA and enjoys teaching veterinary science to the 4-H members of the Lone Star 4-H Club. Her interests are primarily surgery, with focus in orthopedic disease and minimally invasive techniques with the future hopes of obtaining a surgical residency. In her spare time, Dr. Krueger enjoys learning the cello, is an avid baseball fan and enjoys riding her horses.

Interns for 2011-2012:

Dr. Timothy J. Cox (a.k.a. Jake) received his veterinary degree from Colorado State in 2011. Dr. Cox has also completed a Master's Degree in Equine Reproduction from Colorado State in 2007. His primary interests include equine reproduction, colic evaluation, and lameness. When not working at the clinic, Dr. Cox enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter. Following completion of the internship, he would like to pursue a career in general equine practice.

Dr. Elizabeth Lamont is a 2011 graduate of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Pre-Veterinary Medicine and Biology/Life Science with a minor in Chemistry from The University of Findlay in 2007. Dr. Lamont is a member of AVMA, AAEP, TVMA, and OVMA. She grew up in northeastern Ohio, and rode horses for pleasure growing up. She enjoys cooking, traveling, watching college football, and relaxing with friends and family in her spare time. After her internship, Dr. Lamont would like to pursue further studies and a career in theriogenology.

Office Staff:

Office Manager: Daniel Acker
Receptionists: Jane Wallace, Gwen Rogers and Melanie Merideth
Accountant: Cathy McMillan

Technicians: Erica McGee, Cirenio Perez, Daniel Perez, Benustiano Pineda, Jose Pineda, Gregorio Regino, Lynn Rogers, Ryan Ruthven, Jennifer Sharpe, Patricia Wilhite.

Barn Crew: Lorenzo Flores, Carlos Sanchez, J. Carmen Chaverria, Pedro Rodriguez, Oscar Flores

Please explore our Services for more information about specific services available at EVH.

Thank you for visiting our booth at the 2011 annual AAEP Convention in San Antonio, Texas.

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