Natasha Werpy – Equine Diagnostic Imaging Specialist
DVM DACVR
In the highly technical world of equine diagnostic imaging, few names hold as much influence and respect as Natasha Werpy DVM DACVR.
With a career that has spanned elite referral centres, major academic institutions, and advanced imaging facilities throughout the United States, Natasha Werpy has become a defining voice in the evolution of musculoskeletal imaging for the equine athlete.
Her expertise in MRI and ultrasound has shaped modern diagnostic standards and continues to support clinicians, researchers, and performance horse practitioners worldwide.
A Strong Academic Foundation
Natasha Werpy began her professional journey at Colorado State University (CSU) College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1999.
Her passion for equine health led her directly into a rigorous equine internship at San Luis Rey Equine Hospital, where she gained valuable hands-on experience in the management of performance horses and complex clinical cases.
This early exposure to lameness evaluation, emergency medicine, and equine sports practice helped cement her interest in imaging as an essential diagnostic tool.
Advanced Training Under a Renowned Mentor
Following her general internship, Natasha Werpy pursued an imaging internship with pioneering radiologist Dr. Norman Rantanen, one of the most influential figures in the advancement of equine diagnostic imaging.
She continued her training under Dr. Rantanen and CSU during a comprehensive imaging residency, during which she developed a deep expertise in advanced imaging techniques and interpretation.
In 2004, she achieved board certification through the American College of Veterinary Radiology, earning the credential of DACVR and formally establishing herself as a specialist in diagnostic imaging.
A Decade of Impact at Colorado State University
Shortly after completing her residency, Natasha Werpy joined the faculty at CSU, where she served from 2004 to 2012. During this period, she held the role of Medical Imaging Director at the Gail Holmes Equine Orthopaedic Research Center, one of the world’s most respected centres for equine orthopaedic research and clinical diagnostics.
Her work at CSU placed her at the forefront of investigations into musculoskeletal injury, imaging advancements, and performance-limiting conditions in the equine athlete.
Her contributions extended beyond clinical service. She was actively involved in research, training residents, and guiding the development of imaging-based assessment techniques that are now widely used in equine practice.
Academic Leadership at the University of Florida
In 2012, Natasha Werpy joined the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine as an Associate Professor of Diagnostic Imaging. Her appointment added further depth to UF’s imaging program, and she continued to provide specialty interpretation, teach veterinary students and residents, and support research efforts in advanced imaging.
She served in this role until 2016, balancing teaching with clinical practice in one of the nation’s most active equine regions.
A Premier Specialist in Private Practice
After leaving full-time academia, Natasha Werpy transitioned into private practice, a move that allowed her to collaborate more broadly with veterinarians across North America and beyond. She is the owner and president of Equine Diagnostic Imaging, Inc., where she works alongside an experienced team of board-certified radiologists and imaging residents.
Her consulting work supports universities, specialist centres, and high-level equine hospitals, including Advanced Equine Imaging of Wellington and Ocala Equine Hospital.
Natasha Werpy’s caseload spans sport horses, pleasure horses, and complex referral cases, with a strong emphasis on clinical equine musculoskeletal imaging. Her areas of expertise include:
- High-resolution musculoskeletal MRI
- Advanced ultrasound diagnostics
- Radiographic interpretation
- Standing low-field MRI applications
- Emerging techniques in dynamic CT myelography
Her clinical opinions are widely sought after for their precision, clarity, and practical clinical value.
A Researcher and Speaker Shaping the Future of Imaging
Throughout her career, Natasha Werpy has contributed to numerous influential publications on equine MRI, proximal suspensory imaging, joint evaluation techniques, and recheck MRI protocols for musculoskeletal injuries. Her research has guided shifts in diagnostic approaches and improved outcomes for thousands of horses worldwide.
As a speaker, she is known for her ability to break down highly technical imaging concepts into accessible, clinically relevant insights. She has lectured internationally and continues to be a sought-after presenter for her expertise in MRI, ultrasound, cervical spine imaging, and thoracolumbar diagnostics.
Her upcoming presentations include Advances in Imaging the Cervical Spine and Advances in Imaging the Thoracolumbar Region, reflecting her continued leadership in emerging imaging modalities.
Natasha Werpy: A Career Dedicated to the Horse
At the heart of Natasha Werpy’s work is a simple but powerful mission: to improve the lives, performance, and soundness of horses through better imaging. Her combination of technical mastery, clinical experience, academic rigor, and passion for advancing veterinary diagnostics has made her one of the most trusted equine radiologists of her generation.
Natasha Werpy is a faculty speaker in the Equine Lameness Program. If you wish to elevate your lameness diagnostic skills and learn directly from her, Virginia Reef and Dr. Rosie Owen, 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.