Claude Ragle – A Global Leader in Equine Surgery

DVM, Dipl ACVS, Dipl ABVP (Equine Practice)

Claude Ragle, DVM, Dipl ACVS, Dipl ABVP (Equine Practice), is internationally recognized for his lifelong contributions to equine surgery, surgical education, and clinical innovation. A tenured Full Professor at Washington State University, Claude Ragle has spent decades shaping how equine surgical conditions are diagnosed, managed, and taught.

His career uniquely bridges private referral practice, academic leadership, and global continuing education, making him one of the most influential equine surgeons of his generation.

In addition to his academic role, Claude Ragle is a founding leader in minimally invasive equine surgery, a prolific scientific author, and a respected voice within regulatory and professional organizations. His enduring interest in donkeys and mules further reflects the breadth of his engagement with equids across disciplines and practice settings.

Education and Early Career Development

Claude Ragle earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1983. Shortly after graduation, he relocated to the southwestern United States, where he entered equine practice at the Southwest Equine Hospital in Scottsdale, Arizona.

During this formative period, he developed strong clinical foundations while working in a high-demand equine referral environment.

Recognizing his aptitude for surgery, Claude Ragle pursued advanced specialty training, completing an equine surgical residency at the University of California, Davis in 1988. This experience placed him at one of the world’s leading veterinary teaching hospitals and allowed him to refine advanced surgical skills that would define his future career.

Private Surgical Practice and Board Certification

Following completion of his residency, Claude Ragle joined Pioneer Equine Hospital in Oakdale, California, where he built a focused surgical referral practice. His work during this time encompassed both soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, positioning him as a trusted specialist for complex equine cases.

In 1989, he achieved board certification as a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS). That same year, he became a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in Equine Practice (ABVP), a dual distinction that reflects both surgical depth and comprehensive equine clinical expertise. He later recertified his ABVP credentials in 1999, 2010, and 2018.

Academic Career at Washington State University

In 1992, Claude Ragle transitioned into academia, joining Washington State University as a faculty surgeon. Over the ensuing decades, he advanced through the academic ranks and currently holds the position of Tenured Full Professor. His appointment reflects sustained excellence in teaching, research, and service.

At Washington State University, Claude Ragle has been deeply involved in training veterinary students, interns, and residents, emphasizing critical thinking, surgical precision, and evidence-based decision-making. His academic presence has helped shape generations of equine veterinarians entering both specialty and general practice.

Clinical Expertise and Areas of Specialization

Claude Ragle’s clinical expertise spans a wide range of equine surgical disciplines. His work includes advanced soft tissue and orthopedic procedures, respiratory and gastrointestinal surgery, and complex lameness diagnostics. He is particularly well known for his leadership in minimally invasive techniques, including equine laparoscopy and arthroscopy.

His diagnostic skill set incorporates advanced imaging modalities such as nuclear scintigraphy, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), allowing for precise evaluation of challenging cases.

He is also closely associated with Veterinary Applied Laparoscopic Training (VALT), reflecting his commitment to improving surgical skill acquisition through structured education.

Research, Publications, and Editorial Leadership

Claude Ragle has made an extraordinary contribution to the veterinary literature. He has authored or co-authored more than 95 peer-reviewed scientific publications and written 21 book chapters covering a broad spectrum of equine surgical topics. His scholarly output reflects both clinical relevance and methodological rigor.

In addition to his authorship, Claude Ragle has served as editor for landmark texts in the field. He edited Advances in Equine Laparoscopy in 2012 and again in 2024, producing authoritative resources that document the evolution of minimally invasive surgical techniques and their application in equine practice.

His work as an ACVS Founding Fellow in Large Animal Minimally Invasive Surgery further underscores his role in advancing surgical standards and innovation.

Professional Leadership and Service

Beyond clinical and academic contributions, Claude Ragle has played an active role in professional leadership. He currently serves as a Washington Racehorse Commissioner, contributing his expertise to regulatory oversight within the racing industry.

Education remains a central theme throughout his career. Claude Ragle has delivered invited presentations at more than 90 professional meetings worldwide, sharing surgical insights with veterinarians across continents. He is also the operator of the Equine Clinicians Network (ECN), a platform dedicated to ongoing professional development and knowledge exchange.

A Lifelong Connection to Equids

Claude Ragle’s professional pursuits are grounded in a lifelong appreciation for equids. The Washington State University professor familiarity with mules and donkeys dates back to childhood, a connection that informs both his clinical curiosity and his respect for the diversity of equine species.

Why Claude Ragle Matters

Claude Ragle stands apart not only for the length of his career, but for its depth and influence. Few equine surgeons have combined private practice excellence, academic leadership, surgical innovation, and global education so effectively.

His work continues to shape how equine surgery is practiced, taught, and advanced, making him an essential voice and a highly sought-after speaker in veterinary medicine.

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