Community Highlights: Meet Christopher Wilhite, DVM of Wilhite and Frees Equine Hospital

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Wilhite, DVM.

Hi Christopher, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I founded the practice in 1998. Originally, we operated as ambulatory only (I traveled to each of our patients for appointments) and home base for the business was quite literally my home, in the basement. Following Dr. Frees’ completion of his internship at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital the we created a partnership and agreed that I would continue to expand the client base while Dr. Frees pursued a Large Animal Surgical Residency at Kansas State University. Dr. Frees completed his residency, the practice eventually outgrew the basement, and we moved to a strip mall location in Raymore. Plans began to build a full service equine hospital on ground we purchased in Peculiar, MO. Dr. Frees reminisces of the struggles that building a hospital and surgical center of this size was at the time, “there were no blue prints for something like this.” We had to gather ideas from colleagues and contractors from equine hospitals and universities around the nation and obsess on every detail to hope we had gotten it right. In a real “Field of Dreams” scenario, we built it and hoped the work would come. Luckily, it did. From the grand opening in 2006 the practice has grown to 7 equine veterinarians, 7 veterinary technicians and assistants, and 2 office administrators. Ambulatory and hospital appointments are available Monday through Friday, but emergency coverage is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The practice accommodates every horse- from foals to seniors, companions to athletes; whether it is an emergency surgery or routine vaccinations.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
We have always had a “put the horse first and everything else will come” approach to our business. It has served us well for the last (almost) 20 years. But on top of the day to day struggles of running a business there is always an additional level of complication in veterinary medicine. There has been a steady decline in large animal veterinarians over the years- specifically equine vets. The cost of vet school/student debt, physically taxing work, risk of injury, potential for long hours and emergencies at any time of day are all reasons why veterinarians are pursuing other areas of medicine. Our hospital has always tried to take a proactive approach to work life balance, a healthy clinic culture, and benefits package for our staff. In turn, we have been lucky to curate an incredible team of talented and capable professionals. As our industry works to create a more hospitable environment for upcoming equine vets and techs we realize our work is never done and there is never a finish line for this. Mentoring veterinary students and utilizing veterinary technicians and assistants is a great way to ensure the future of equine medicine. All of our doctors and staff are committed to cultivating the next generation.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Wilhite and Frees Equine Hospital ?
Our practice is a full service equine hospital located just south of Kansas City in Peculiar, MO. Ambulatory and hospital appointments are available between 8am and 5pm Monday through Friday, but emergency coverage is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our patients range from competitive performance horses, to pleasure horses, to breeding animals. We have five practice vehicles that are fully equipped to meet the varying needs of our clientele. We provide emergency and elective surgical care, diagnostic lameness evaluations, purchase exams, sports medicine, intra-articular (joint) injections, dentistry, stallion and mare reproductive services, ophthalmology, as well as general wellness care and preventative medicine. Portable radiograph (X-ray) machines and ultrasound machines are always available for onsite service. Additional services including endoscopy, Gastroscopy, motorized dentistry, shockwave therapy.

We are committed to offering comprehensive, state-of-the-art health care to your horse in a caring and compassionate environment. From general wellness to surgical and emergency treatments, decades of experience ensures your horse will receive optimal care. Our practice’s staff are all passionate about preventative medicine and taking the steps to help you avoid illness and injury in your horse, before they occur. The feedback that we often receive from our clients is that our staff is professional and knowledgeable, they feel welcome, and their horse received the best care.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
My best memories growing up all revolve around our family farm. I knew I loved working with animals and wanted to make a living doing that.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.wilhiteandfrees.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wfeh_kc/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wilhiteandfreesequine/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJwgylowekAtRhUV5Naboag