Alison Fairburn – Imaging Specialist for Complex Equine Lameness
BVSc DipECVDI(LA) MRCVS
Among the specialists shaping the future of equine orthopaedics and imaging, Dr. Alison Fairburn stands out for her precision, depth of knowledge, and unwavering commitment to improving clinical outcomes for horses.
With a career spanning advanced training, busy clinical roles, and a highly respected European diploma, she has built a reputation as one of the most trusted experts in large animal diagnostic imaging.
Today, Dr. Alison Fairburn is a core part of the clinical team at Bell Equine, where she devotes her expertise to complex lameness cases and advanced imaging interpretation. Her work blends scientific clarity with a practical understanding of equine performance, making her a valued clinician for horse owners, referring vets, and the broader veterinary community.
A Strong Foundation in Veterinary Excellence
Dr. Alison Fairburn’s path toward becoming a European Specialist in Diagnostic Imaging began after graduating from the University of Liverpool. Already drawn to the intersection of orthopaedics and imaging, she secured an internship at the prestigious Animal Health Trust (AHT) in Newmarket.
At the time, the AHT was one of the world’s leading centres for equine research and clinical innovation, providing an exceptional environment for young veterinarians to deepen their experience.
During her internship, she gained extensive exposure to equine diagnostic imaging, lameness evaluations, musculoskeletal pathology, and advanced imaging modalities. This formative period not only strengthened her technical skill but also ignited the passion that continues to drive her career today.
Early Career: Building an Orthopaedic Caseload and Refining Clinical Skills
Following her internship, Dr. Alison Fairburn joined a large equine practice in Lancashire. Here, she took on a varied caseload and quickly established herself as a clinician with a particular aptitude for orthopaedic work. Her interest in imaging allowed her to expand the practice’s diagnostic capabilities, and she played a key role in developing the orthopaedic service.
Working within a busy ambulatory practice exposed her to thousands of cases, from routine performance-horse checks to challenging lameness presentations requiring detailed investigation. These years cemented her clinical instincts and strengthened her ability to interpret subtle abnormalities, skills that would later define her specialist career.
Advanced Specialist Training and European Diploma Achievement
Determined to pursue the highest level of training available in her field, Dr. Alison Fairburn embarked on a four-year large animal diagnostic imaging residency at the University of Bristol. This rigorous programme provided in-depth training across all major imaging disciplines, including:
- Radiography
- Ultrasonography
- Magnetic resonance imaging
- Computed tomography
- Advanced orthopaedic image interpretation
The residency demanded high levels of scientific understanding, practical skill, and analytical precision. Dr. Alison Fairburn excelled in all areas and went on to achieve the European Diploma in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging (Large Animal), a qualification that places her among a select group of internationally recognised specialists.
Specialist Clinical Work at Bell Equine
After completing her specialist training, Dr. Alison Fairburn joined Bell Equine Veterinary Clinic, one of the most respected equine hospitals in the United Kingdom. In this role, she works closely with orthopaedic clinicians, surgeons, and sports medicine specialists to diagnose and manage an extensive range of lameness and performance issues.
Her day-to-day work encompasses:
- Detailed lameness evaluations
- Interpretation of advanced imaging studies
- Image-guided procedures
- Collaborative case management with referring veterinarians
- Supporting decision-making for both elite performance horses and pleasure horses
She is particularly passionate about orthopaedic imaging, where her ability to correlate clinical findings with subtle imaging features consistently leads to accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment plans.
A Calm, Analytical Presence in a Complex Field
What distinguishes Dr. Alison Fairburn is her capacity to bring clarity to some of the most difficult cases in equine practice. Her approach is systematic and thoughtful, grounded in evidence but shaped by years of hands-on clinical experience. Whether she is analysing a complex MRI study or discussing a case with a referring vet, her communication is clear, practical, and focused on solutions.
Colleagues and clients alike value her balanced perspective and meticulous attention to detail, attributes essential in a field where small imaging findings often carry major clinical significance.
Why Dr. Alison Fairburn Matters in Modern Equine Medicine
In an era where advanced diagnostic imaging plays a pivotal role in equine orthopaedics, Dr. Alison Fairburn is one of the specialists pushing the field forward. Her blend of academic training, practical experience, and specialist accreditation allows her to diagnose conditions that might otherwise go undetected.
This contributes directly to better outcomes for horses, improved decision-making for owners, and stronger collaboration between primary and referral veterinarians.
With a career rooted in passion, precision, and continuous improvement, Dr. Alison Fairburn has become an influential figure in equine diagnostic imaging, and a trusted partner for anyone seeking answers in complex lameness and orthopaedic cases.
Dr. Alison Fairburn is a faculty speaker in the Equine Lameness Program. If you wish to elevate your lameness diagnostic skills and learn directly from her, Dr. Laura Quiney, Dr. Alison Talbot and Natasha Werpy, make sure to explore the Equine Lameness Program.
This the most comprehensive, case-based training pathway designed to help veterinarians make a measurable difference to the horses in their care.