Veterinarian and Owner
Hi, I'm Dr. Rothenbuhler! I graduated from Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2001 and completed an equine internship at The Ohio State University in 2002. After that, I returned to Purdue to complete a large animal surgical residency and research training. In 2009, I became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons–Large Animal.
Since then, I’ve been proud to serve as Head of Surgery and a partner at Conley and Koontz Equine Hospital. In addition to clinical work, I spent several years as a research and anatomy instructor at Purdue. My professional interests include soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, wound care, pain management, and lameness, especially in performance horses. I’m grateful to work with a team committed to the highest standards in equine medicine and surgery.
I work hard to stay on top of the latest developments in veterinary medicine and, during my career, have worked alongside other veterinarians and researchers to contribute to both clinical practice and scientific advancement. My research experience includes studies on equine abdominal surgery outcomes, diagnostic imaging of infections, congenital diaphragmatic hernias in horses, and targeted therapies for invasive urinary bladder cancer.
I am also a proud member of the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association, the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, and the American Association of Equine Practitioners.
Why I Chose This Profession
I’ve wanted to be a veterinarian for as long as I can remember. As I got older, it became clear that my passion was focused on large animals. I enjoy the complexity and variety that comes with treating different species, and I’ve always been drawn to the problem-solving side of the profession. From early on, I knew that this was the work I was meant to do.
My Favorite Part of My Job
There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing a tough case through to a successful outcome. Whether it’s a challenging surgery or helping a lame horse return to top performance, I thrive on finding solutions and supporting owners. At the end of the day, I love building strong relationships with clients and working together toward a shared goal for their animals’ health.
Personal Hobbies and Interests
Outside of work, I stay busy with my family and our livestock operation. We raise meat goats and typically have between 100 and 200 at any given time. We are deeply involved in the livestock industry, and our farm is full of animals. I honestly can’t pick a favorite because they all have their place and keep life interesting.