I qualified from Glasgow in 1992. Since joining the practice ten years ago, I have been involved in the development of the farm animal side of the practice.

Although we still remain the emergency service for sick livestock, we now place more emphasis on disease prevention and improving animal health and welfare.

In common with many practices, we have routine fertility visits onto our dairy farms, checking that cows are pregnant and using medicines to help them get pregnant. Much of this work is now done using ultrasound machines.

Many clients now take advantage of our farm contracts, which allow for greater communication between vet and farmer, which reaps health benefits for the animals.

I regularly run training courses on the artificial insemination of cows.

I have attended in-depth courses on ruminant nutrition, embryo transferring in cattle, foot trimming, herd health planning and disease costings.

In 2001, I gained a Diploma of Bovine Reproduction, which recognises my expertise in cattle fertility. Many farmers joke that I’m on courses more often than at work!

I still take my turn in doing evening surgeries and enjoy operating on companion animals. My absence in the surgery on most days often leads people when they see me for a consultation to think I’m a new boy – which always makes me smile!

As a partner in the practice, my job not only involves looking after the animals, but also doing tasks common to the owners of all small businesses.

I enjoy my work because of its variety and I get job satisfaction from helping people and animals with problems.

My spare time is spent with my family; dog walking, gardening, fell walking and cycling.

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