Edited Press Release
Bluegrass Equine Surgery (BES) has opened at 3550 Lexington Road in Versailles, Kentucky. BES is a comprehensive, world-class surgical and recovery facility with onsite diagnostics, imaging, pharmacy, and lab access to care for any equine need on or off the farm and will be led by Woodford County native and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine W. True Baker.
BES is part of a growing investment in the Kentucky equine industry by its parent company, PetVet Care Centers of Westport, Connecticut. In addition to expanding its footprint with BES, PetVet and Hagyard Equine Medical Institute of Lexington have partnered with Churchill Downs to install its first equine positron emission tomography (PET) scan machine at the medical center in the stable area.
“We recognize Kentucky's unique connection to the equine industry and we want to be leaders in that industry,” said Anthony Loomis DVM, Chief Medical Officer of PetVet. “Our addition of Bluegrass Equine Surgery is another step, following the acquisition of successful practices like Hagyard and our new partnership with historic Churchill Downs. This allows us to ensure we bring the right care to all of our equine communities.”
Dr. Baker added, “This new hospital's values are based on the work ethic and horsemanship I learned growing up in the industry. Our philosophy has always been to work hard, treat people fairly, and above all, do what's best for the horse.”
Dr. Baker graduated with honors from the veterinary program at Auburn University in 2006. He completed surgical residency at Peterson and Smith Equine Hospital in Ocala, Florida, then joined Woodford Equine in 2010, a practice owned by his father, Bill Baker DVM, before joining Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in 2013.
Dr. Baker is a regular part of Thoroughbred sales and specializes in orthopedic, conformational, and upper airway surgeries. He is a published researcher on surgical management of angular limb deformities, as well as equine colic, and is performing ongoing research into the effects of juvenile injuries on racing performance.
Lauren Javernick DVM has joined the practice as head of Ambulatory Services. In addition to her extensive background in equine reproduction and herd health, she brings deep expertise in Chinese medicine and acupuncture. Two other BES veterinarians on the team are Jessica Thornton DVM, who specializes in equine reproduction and neonate medicine as well as herd health, and Kristen Near VMD, who was the resident vet on a large horse farm and has experience in all aspects of the Thoroughbred industry.
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