Dr. Laura Nath

BVSc, MVSc, CertEM, FANZCVS

When it comes to equine internal medicine in Australia, few names are as respected or as widely recognised as Dr. Laura Nath. A registered specialist in Equine Medicine, Dr. Laura Nath combines deep clinical expertise, academic excellence, and a passion for improving equine health through science.

Based in Melbourne, she consults across Victoria at leading hospitals including South Eastern Equine Hospital, Bendigo Equine Hospital, and Ballarat Veterinary Practice. Her career reflects a rare blend of hands-on experience, specialist training, and internationally respected research.

A Career Founded on Excellence

Dr. Laura Nath graduated with honours from the University of Sydney in 2003. She quickly immersed herself in equine clinical work, completing an internship and early-career mentorship under the renowned Dr. Angus McKinnon at Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital.

It was here that she laid the foundations of her expertise in equine reproduction, later earning a Certificate in Equine Stud Medicine from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in the UK in 2007.

Her clinical journey has taken her across Australia and the UK, from racetrack practice in Melbourne to one of the world’s most prestigious equine hospitals, Rossdales in Newmarket, England. In both first opinion and referral settings, Dr. Laura Nath has consistently focused on delivering advanced, compassionate care to horses of all breeds and disciplines.

Specialist Training and Academic Impact

Dr. Laura Nath completed her specialist residency training in Equine Medicine at the University of Melbourne, where she also earned a Master’s degree for her research on cardiac troponin I as a diagnostic tool in equine heart disease.

In 2010, she achieved Fellowship with the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (FANZCVS), officially recognising her as a registered specialist in Equine Medicine.

Never one to rest on her laurels, Dr. Laura Nath recently completed a PhD through the University of Adelaide, investigating exercise-associated cardiac arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death in Thoroughbred racehorses. Her work in this space, both in research and clinical application, is helping to shape the future of equine sports medicine, with implications for both safety and performance.

A Thought Leader in Equine Cardiology and Medicine

Dr. Laura Nath’s areas of expertise span a wide spectrum of internal medicine disciplines:

  • Cardiology and respiratory medicine
  • Gastrointestinal disease and colic
  • Weight loss and endocrine disorders (such as Equine Metabolic Syndrome and PPID)
  • Foal medicine and neonatal intensive care
  • Neurology, dermatology, and infectious diseases

She is particularly renowned for her work in equine cardiology, frequently consulting on complex cases involving heart murmurs, atrial fibrillation, and performance-limiting heart disease in athletic horses.

As a speaker and educator, Dr. Laura Nath is highly sought after for her ability to deliver cutting-edge science in a clear, practical format. She has lectured in Australia, the UK, and the US, covering a diverse array of topics, from pleuropneumonia and respiratory diagnostics to gastrointestinal health, reproductive efficiency, and equine neurology. Veterinarians looking for flexible learning opportunities can access her insights through equine vet CE you can do in your truck, allowing busy practitioners to enhance their skills on the go.

Her lectures are known for their clarity, relevance, and immediately applicable insights.

Research, Publications, and Global Recognition

In addition to her clinical and teaching roles, Dr. Laura Nath has contributed to multiple peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, including recent collaborative research into the heritability of sudden cardiac death in Thoroughbred racehorses.

She is an active contributor to the Exercise-Associated Sudden Death Working Group, pushing the boundaries of what is known about cardiac health in performance horses.

Through her academic roles and continued postdoctoral research, she remains a key figure in veterinary science communities across Australia and internationally.

A Compassionate Professional and Lifelong Learner

Beyond her technical skill and specialist status, what sets Dr. Laura Nath apart is her commitment to patient care. She brings a calm, thoughtful, and compassionate presence to every case, and is known among her peers for being a generous collaborator and mentor.

Her love for animals extends beyond the clinic, she cherishes time with her own pets and family, grounding her busy professional life with warmth and perspective.

Whether she is lecturing to peers, consulting on critical cases, or pioneering research that protects the future of equine athletes, Dr. Laura Nath is one of Australia’s foremost authorities in equine medicine. Her influence spans clinical excellence, scientific advancement, and professional mentorship, making her a speaker, consultant, and clinician of truly international calibre.

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