New vet in the saddle in Sisters Country

Oklahoma's loss is Sisters Country's gain for those in need of a horse veterinarian. Patrick Young, DVM, recently relocated from the Sooner State to establish a practice here. He is currently working with a transplant from Texas, Scott Weems at Sisters Equine, as well as developing a mobile practice.

Young's wife, Corie, has an aunt in Bend, and after the family visited two years ago, she was the catalyst for getting the family to Central Oregon.

"Well, that and The Nugget subscription that Scott bought me," said Young.

The two had mutual colleagues in the central Oklahoma-north Texas region, and Young contacted Weems to begin to get a feel for Central Oregon. The opportunities for recreation were also a draw: Patrick and Corie are active equestrians, and both compete in Ironman triathalons.

Young's veterinary interest and expertise is in diagnosing lameness issues, though he aims to develop a well-rounded practice such as he had in Oklahoma. His patients there ranged from newborn foals to draft horses. Performance horses, trail horses, and companion animals are all treated equally. He is certified by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association, and the clinic at Sisters Equine is equipped to do diagnostic work. A surgery suite is under construction.

In addition to the clinic work, Young is interested in developing some bio-tech projects. He recently was successful in creating a vaccine for pigeon fever, an unpleasant (but rarely fatal) equine condition. He is working with a laboratory in Colorado and pursuing a license from the USDA for the vaccine.

Young completed his undergraduate work at Texas A&M, then had two years working as a cowboy on a stocker cattle ranch while applying to veterinary school.

"Best two years of my education," he said.

He was accepted into the vet school at Mississippi State and graduated in 1998. His education included a one-year internship at a referral center in Alabama.

He is the youngest of 10 high-achieving children of a surgeon and a nurse. All seven of his brothers are MDs, one sister is a nurse and the other a college professor.

"I always wanted to be a cowboy and a doctor, so being an equine veterinarian is a great fit," he said.

More information about Young's practice, The Athletic Horse PLC, may be found on Facebook and at http://www.theathletichorse.com. Call Dr. Young direct at 405-409-8690 for appointments. After hours, call 541-549-1709. Dr. Young and Dr. Weems share on-call duties. Sisters Equine is located at 67550 Harrington Loop.