14 August 2025: A local miniature horse named Duke is making headlines after undergoing life-saving colic surgery at Sunshine Coast Equine Veterinary Clinic — the first time this type of operation has been performed on the Sunshine Coast.
Until now, horses needing colic surgery had to be transported to Brisbane, often in a critical condition. But on Saturday night, the team at the Caloundra clinic performed the complex procedure right here at home.
Duke, a 12-year-old miniature gelding, was rushed in with severe abdominal pain. When standard treatments didn’t work, vets operated late into the night, removing more than 90 litres of material from his colon. Just hours later, Duke was back on his feet — and is now on track to make a full recovery.
Founder and Principal Veterinarian, Dr Tony Doherty said it was a big moment for the region.
“It’s fantastic to be able to offer this level of care locally. It means faster treatment for sick horses and less stress for their owners.
“Previously, horse owners in the region had little option other than to travel an often very sick horse to Brisbane and to be able to offer alternatives here is a sign of the continued growth of the region.
“Equine Vets are very hard to find and I am delighted that we now have a team of four equine veterinarians, including a specialist equine surgeon Dr Massimo Delli-Rocili, the first and only specialist equine surgeon on the Sunshine Coast.
“This milestone is a sign of the Sunshine Coast’s growing capacity to deliver specialist veterinary care, bringing services once only available in Brisbane closer to home,” Doherty said.
About Sunshine Coast Equine Veterinary Clinic
Sunshine Coast Equine Veterinary Clinic is the region’s leading provider of comprehensive horse health services, offering everything from preventative care and diagnostics to advanced surgical procedures. Based in Caloundra adjacent to Corbould Park, the clinic combines state-of-the-art facilities with an experienced veterinary team to deliver specialist care once only available in metropolitan centres, ensuring horses and their owners have access to world-class treatment close to home.
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For more information, images and interviews please contact Heather or Jen at The Comms. People:
Jennifer Swaine | 0438952830 | jen@commspeople.au
Heather Mollins | 0412421411 | heather@commspeople.au
