Dr James Carmalt
MA, VetMB, MVetSc, PhD, FRCVS, Dipl.ABVP, Dipl.AVDC, Dipl.ACVSMR, Dipl.ACVS
Dr. James Carmalt is a globally recognized expert in equine medicine, dentistry, and surgery with over two decades of academic, clinical, and research experience.
A graduate of the University of Cambridge, he began his career with a focus on large animal medicine and equine surgery, completing two residencies at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), University of Saskatchewan.
Dr. Carmalt’s distinguished career includes work in mixed animal practices in Tasmania, equine specialty surgery in Australia, and his current role as a tenured professor at WCVM in Canada.
The University of Cambridge graduate is one of a select group of veterinary professionals to achieve board certifications in four disciplines: equine practice, equine dentistry, equine sports medicine and rehabilitation, and large animal surgery.
Renowned for his groundbreaking research, Dr. James Carmalt has published over 90 peer-reviewed articles and presented at international conferences worldwide.
His research specialties include equine temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disease, evidence-based veterinary medicine, and pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), or equine Cushing’s disease. These efforts contribute to advancing diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for complex equine conditions.
Dr. James Carmalt is an advocate for clinical education and mentorship, serving as director of WCVM’s large animal surgery residency program.
His commitment to improving veterinary standards extends to his work as an editorial board member for Veterinary Evidence, a journal focused on evidence-based veterinary medicine.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Carmalt is a sought-after collaborator, working with private practices and academic institutions globally.
Dr. Carmalt innovative approaches to equine care, such as developing techniques to improve sinus surgery outcomes, are helping reshape the landscape of veterinary medicine.
Dr. James Carmalt’s career exemplifies a commitment to excellence, innovation, and a no-compromise approach to equine care. His multifaceted expertise across dentistry, surgery, and sports medicine is matched by his candid philosophy on professionalism and ethical practice. Recently,
Dr. Carmalt shared some invaluable insights into equine dentistry, memorable moments from his career, and the principles that guide his work.
Dr. James Carmalt’s Essentials for Equine Dentistry
When asked about the three most important things he wishes all veterinarians knew about equine dentistry, Dr. Carmalt provided a thoughtful, no-nonsense response:
Do It Properly or Not at All
“Either do it properly or don’t do it,” he stated emphatically. Dr. Carmalt underscored the importance of having the right tools, knowledge, and skills before taking on equine dentistry cases.
“This half-assed aspect is unconscionable, especially if you’re taking people’s money—it’s completely unethical.” For Dr. Carmalt, the commitment to high standards is non-negotiable.
Look at the Whole Picture
Dr. James Carmalt emphasized the need to evaluate the entire horse—and even the client—before jumping into treatment. “Most of our species are an entire unit,” he explained. “You can’t just open the mouth without first conducting a thorough physical exam.”
Observing the client’s demeanor and the horse’s overall condition often provides valuable context for the case, allowing for a more tailored approach.
Build Long-Term Relationships
Equine dentistry is rarely a one-off service. “It’s not like taking out a chip fracture – dentistry often requires multiple visits and ongoing care,” Dr. James Carmalt said. Establishing trust and clear communication with clients is critical.
“If you and I are not on the same page, you’ll be upset, I’ll end up compromising, and ultimately the horse will suffer. Sometimes, you need to walk away and refer them elsewhere.”
Memorable Moments: Lessons in Humility and Humor
Dr. Carmalt shared a particularly humbling – and humorous – memory from his early career. A client brought in a budgie, requesting its claws to be trimmed.
Despite his best efforts, the bird unexpectedly died in his hands. “They warned me about this in school,” he said wryly. The experience left him with a valuable lesson about managing client expectations and the unpredictability of veterinary work.
A Philosophy of Integrity
Throughout his career, Dr. James Carmalt has held firm to the belief that veterinary care must be delivered with honesty, respect, and professionalism.
“You can’t second-guess clients based on appearances,” he said, recalling a long-time client who intentionally dressed down to test veterinarians’ judgment. “She’s wicked smart and has more money than most, but she’s waiting to see how you treat her and her horse.”
This philosophy extends to ensuring that clients understand the complexities of dental care. “Some want instant fixes, but that’s not what I provide. If we’re not aligned in expectations, I’d rather they go elsewhere. It’s better for everyone involved – especially the horse.”
Adventure Over Relaxation
When it comes to personal downtime, Dr. James Carmalt leans toward adventure holidays, though his fondness for exploration often intersects with his professional life. “I’m not one for sitting on a beach,” he admitted.
This active lifestyle mirrors his approach to veterinary medicine: always seeking new challenges and opportunities to learn.
Why Dr. James Carmalt Loves What He Does
For Dr. Carmalt, the most rewarding aspect of his work is the opportunity to make a real difference for horses and their owners. “Dentistry offers immediate results – seeing a horse improve after treatment is incredibly satisfying,” he said.
However, he also thrives on the complexity of the field, which continues to evolve. “It’s just teeth, but there’s so much more to it. There’s always something new to learn, and that’s what keeps it exciting.”
Dr. Carmalt’s career is a testament to the power of dedication, integrity, and continuous learning.
His insistence on doing things the right way, his holistic approach to care, and his commitment to advancing equine dentistry and surgery have left an indelible mark on the veterinary profession.
Through his work as a clinician, educator, and mentor, Dr. James Carmalt continues to inspire veterinarians worldwide to uphold the highest standards of care, ensuring that equine dentistry remains a field of innovation and excellence.