Meet Our Navasota Team

Terrell “T-Bone” Buchanan, DVM

Practicing Location: Navasota

Specializes In: Sports Medicine

Dr. Terrell Buchanan, better known as “T-Bone”, grew up as the youngest son of a farmer in Navasota, Texas. He graduated from Texas A&M with his DVM in 1966 and started his veterinary career working out of a travel trailer in the hardware store parking lot. The practice grew and expanded in many directions from that point.

In 1987, T-Bone founded Brazos Valley Equine Hospital as an equine-only medical and surgical hospital in Navasota, Texas. In recognition of the care and expertise provided over the years, BVEH has evolved into a regional hospital for Texas and several other states. BVEH has grown tremendously since T-Bone started the business with the addition of three different hospitals and twelve different veterinarians in Salado, and Cypress Texas.

T-Bone’s main interest is Equine Sports Medicine. T-Bone is a renowned practitioner and has spoken at numerous international Equine Sports Medicine conferences. He has been a mentor to hundreds of students and veterinarians. Many of the premier equine practitioners in Texas have learned from him.

T-Bone is married to his lovely wife, Cathy. They have five children all together. Two of their sons, Charlie and Ben, followed in T-Bone’s footsteps and became equine veterinarians, who also married veterinarians. T-Bone and Cathy are known as “Poppa” and “Sugar” to their grandchildren. When T-Bone is not working, he enjoys spending time with his family, hunting, fishing, and working on his property.

Key Publications and Papers

Vet Ther. 2001 Spring;2(2):129-34. “Pharmacokinetics of the bovine formulation of enrofloxacin (Baytril 100) in horses.” Boeckh S, Buchanan C, Boeckh A, Wilkie S, Davis C, Buchanan T, Boothe D. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19753705

Ben Buchanan, DVM, DACVIM, DACVECC

Practicing Location: Navasota

Specializes In: Colic, Respiratory Disease, Cardiac Disease, Emergency Care, Neonatal Medicine & Endocrinology

As the son of an Equine Veterinarian, Ben Buchanan’s journey into the world of equine veterinary medicine has been a lifelong odyssey. Although he did not show competitively growing up, his comfort and connection with horse people set him on the path to becoming an Equine Veterinarian. It is a profession he has embraced with unwavering passion and commitment.

Throughout his career, Ben has achieved numerous milestones, including the distinction of passing two board certifications; Large Animal Internal Medicine (2005) and Emergency and Critical Care (2006). He is active in local, state, and national organized veterinary medicine, serving on various committees. He was honored as the Texas Equine Practitioner of the Year in 2011. One carreet highlight he is most proud of was serving on the veterinary staff of the emergency hospital at the World Equestrian Games in Tryon, NC in 2018.

Ben’s dedication and expertise have transcended borders, as he continues to speak nationally and internationally. He has also played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of veterinarians through the training two residents, dozens of interns, mentoring hundreds of students. He continues the legacy of his father by imparting not just medical knowledge but also instilling a profound sense of compassion, dedication, and a commitment to excellence in these aspiring veterinarians.

Post residency, Ben joined Brazos Valley Equine Hospitals in 2005 and assumed the role of managing partner of BVEHNavasota in 2017. Under his leadership, BVEH has grown to multiple locations and 10+ veterinarians by taking a multifaceted approach to equine practice. Recognizing that they serve people by treating horses, the focus has shifted to prioritize the wellbeing of clients and team members, all while delivering topnotch equine healthcare.

Key Publications and Papers

Radcliffe RM, Buchanan BR, Cook VL, Divers TJ.The clinical value of whole blood point-of-care biomarkers in large animal emergency and critical care medicine. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25590562

Buchanan BR, Andrews FM. Treatment and prevention of equine gastric ulcer syndrome. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract. 2003 Dec;19(3):575-97. Review. PubMed PMID: 14740758. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14740758

Buchanan BR, Sommardahl CS, Rohrbach BW, Andrews FM. Effect of a 24-hour infusion of an isotonic electrolyte replacement fluid on the renal clearance of electrolytes in healthy neonatal foals. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2005 Oct 1;227(7):1123-9. PubMed PMID: 16220674. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16220674

Buchanan BR, Sommardahl CS, Moore RR, Donnell RL; American College of Veterinary Radiology. What is your diagnosis? Pyloric-duodenal intussusception. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2006 May 1;228(9):1339-40. PubMed PMID: 16649933. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16649933

Sargent SJ, Frank LA, Buchanan BR, Donnell RL, Morandi F. Otoscopic, cytological, and microbiological examination of the equine external ear canal. Vet Dermatol. 2006 Jun;17(3):175-81. PubMed PMID: 16674732. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16674732

Rohrbach BW, Buchanan BR, Drake JM, Andrews FM, Bain FT, Byars DT, Bernard WV, Furr MO, Paradis MR, Lawler J, Giguère S, Dunkel B. Use of a multivariable model to estimate the probability of discharge in hospitalized foals that are 7 days of age or less. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2006 Jun 1;228(11):1748-56. PubMed PMID: 16740076. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16740076

Andrews FM, Frank N, Sommardahl CS, Buchanan BR, Elliott SB, Allen VA. Effects of intravenously administrated omeprazole on gastric juice pH and gastric ulcer scores in adult horses. J Vet Intern Med. 2006 Sep-Oct;20(5):1202-6. PubMed PMID: 17063717. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17063717

Andrews FM, Buchanan BR, Smith SH, Elliott SB, Saxton AM. In vitro effects of hydrochloric acid and various concentrations of acetic, propionic, butyric, or valeric acids on bioelectric properties of equine gastric squamous mucosa. Am J Vet Res. 2006 Nov;67(11):1873-82. PubMed PMID: 17078749. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17078749

Frank N, Buchanan BR, Elliott SB. Effects of long-term oral administration of levothyroxine sodium on serum thyroid hormone concentrations, clinicopathologic variables, and echocardiographic measurements in healthy adult horses. Am J Vet Res. 2008 Jan;69(1):68-75. PubMed PMID: 18167089. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18167089

Andrews FM, Buchanan BR, Elliott SB, Al Jassim RA, McGowan CM, Saxton AM. In vitro effects of hydrochloric and lactic acids on bioelectric properties of equine gastric squamous mucosa. Equine Vet J. 2008 Jun;40(4):301-5. PubMed PMID: 18321809. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18321809

Wong DM, Alcott CJ, Wang C, Hay-Kraus BL, Buchanan BR, Brockus CW. Physiologic effects of nasopharyngeal administration of supplemental oxygen at various flow rates in healthy neonatal foals. Am J Vet Res. 2010, Sep;71(9):1081-8. PubMed PMID: 20807149. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20807149

Nagamine CM, Castro F, Buchanan B, Schumacher J, Craig LE. Proliferative pododermatitis (canker) with intralesional spirochetes in three horses. J Vet Diagn Invest. 2005 May;17(3):269-71. PubMed PMID: 15945386. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15945386

Weston Warnock, DVM, DACVS-LA

Practicing Location: Navasota

Specializes In: Orthopedic and Soft Tissue Surgery, Lameness Evaluation, and Sports Medicine

Dr. Warnock grew up working on his family owned cattle operation which led to him wanting to be a bovine vet. Luckily for all of us, he changed his mind while at Texas A&M University in veterinary school. After graduation, he traveled to Salinas, California for a one-year internship with Steinbeck Country Equine Clinic. He returned to Texas where he did a 3 year surgical residency at Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery, followed by a stint as a staff surgeon. In 2017 he and his wife, Ricci Karkula, who is also a vet, both took positions at Elgin Veterinary Hospital, he as staff surgeon. Weston is very versatile. He has extensive experience working on Rodeo, Racetrack, and Sport horses. In addition to surgeries, Weston also provides an excellent eye for lameness. Outside of BVEH you can catch Weston tagging along with his wife and their two children, Grayson and Addison, to various horse shows.

Ricci Karkula, DVM, MS, cVMA

Practicing Location: Navasota

Professional Interests: Reproduction, Acupuncture

A California native, Ricci moved to Stephenville to attend Tarleton State University on a Rodeo Scholarship. She graduated with both a BS in Animal Science and a Master’s Degree in Animal Science with an emphasis in reproduction. She stayed in Texas and graduated with her DVM from Texas A&M University in 2015. After an internship and subsequent sports medicine/surgery fellowship at Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery, she has become a very well-rounded veterinarian. Additionally, Ricci also completed her acupuncture training through Colorado State University in 2016. Prior to joining the BVEH team, Ricci spent 2 years on staff at Elgin Veterinary Hospital as a general practitioner and reproduction veterinarian. As part of BVEH-Navasota, from mid-December through mid-to-late July, you can find Ricci cycle checking and breeding mares, including embryo flushing and freezing, and management of sub-fertile mares. When she isn’t breeding mares, Ricci is also an accomplished sports medicine veterinarian and an asset to the surgery team. Between working, barrel racing and taking care of her two young children, Grayson and Addison, she has her hands full.

Ted Kellerman, DVM, CF

Practicing Location: Navasota & Cave Creek

Professional Interests: Sports Medicine, Performance Issues, Podiatry

Dr. Ted Kellerman is a 2009 graduate of the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. He practiced for 7 years in an equine ambulatory practice in St. Louis, MO before moving to Texas to join a mixed animal practice for 5 years. In 2021 he joined Brazos Valley Equine Hospitals in Navasota to focus on equine practice.

Ted enjoys all aspects of the practice, but is passionate about disorders and diseases of the foot. He and his wife, Julie, live near College Station with their two horses and three dogs.

Kyle Grogger, DVM

Practicing Location: Waco & Navasota

Professional Interests: Emergencies, Wellness, Reproduction

Dr. Kyle Grogger is from the suburbs of Chicago. He grew up barrel racing and shadowing local equine veterinarians, quickly deciding that was the career path for him. He graduated from Augustana College with an undergraduate degree in Biology and a minor in Biochemistry. In 2021, he graduated from the University of Illinois Veterinary School. While in veterinary school, he was introduced to Dr. Warnock and Dr. Karkula, who told him to visit Brazos Valley Equine Hospitals in Navasota. After completing his externship as a 4th year student, he accepted an internship position and then elected to stay on as an associate beginning in 2022.

He has a barrel horse named Aussie who he is looking forward to competing with soon. When not palpating mares and seeing emergencies, he enjoys playing tennis, working out, and trying new Texas BBQ joints.

 

Meghan Murphy, DVM

Practicing Location: Navasota & Cypress

Professional Interests: Sports Medicine, Performance Issues

Dr. Meghan Murphy is originally from rural Michigan, where her love and passion for the horse were cultivated at an early age. She has an extensive background showing quarter horses in all-around events and continues to participate in shows today.

She attended Baylor University in Waco, TX, where she competed on the Women’s Equestrian Team and received a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. Dr. Murphy earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine in East Lansing, MI, in 2020. She sought to further advance her training and completed an internship with Equine Athlete Veterinary Services in Pilot Point, TX, gaining experience in sports medicine, emergency, surgery, and primary medicine. After completion of her internship, she moved to the company’s West Coast location to further advance her focus in sports medicine.

She was offered and accepted a position with Brazos Valley Equine Hospitals at the Navasota and Cypress locations. As a versatile equine veterinarian, Dr. Murphy enjoys all aspects of equine practice. However, her primary interest lies in optimizing the performance and success of the equine athlete.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr. Murphy finds joy in riding and showing her quarter horses. Her passion for equestrianism goes hand in hand with her love for exploring new places through travel and cherishing quality time with her family.

Sarah Chozick, DVM

Practicing Location: Navasota

Professional Interests: Sports Medicine, Internal Medicine

Dr. Sarah Chozick’s journey in equine medicine has been profoundly shaped by her upbringing in New Hampshire, where her mother’s deep love for animals ignited her own profound passion for equine. It became clear early on that her exposure to horses in her formative years played a pivotal role in charting the course of her life, and Brazos Valley Equine Hospitals is delighted to welcome her back to their team.

Her academic journey began at the University of New Hampshire, where she successfully completed her undergraduate studies. Driven by her unwavering dream of becoming a veterinarian, Dr. Chozick pursued her education at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. Fueled by her dedication to expanding her knowledge and skills, she embarked on an internship with Brazos Valley Equine Hospitals in Navasota, TX. Throughout this pivotal experience, she gained valuable expertise across various domains of equine medicine, including sports medicine, emergency care, surgery, and primary veterinary medicine. Following the successful conclusion of her internship, Dr. Chozick continued her educational journey with a clinical year at Texas A&M.

Dr. Chozick’s unwavering dedication and passion paved the way for an exciting opportunity with Brazos Valley Equine Hospitals at their Navasota location, an opportunity she eagerly embraced. As a passionate and caring equine veterinarian, she enjoys all parts of equine practice. Her primary focus lies in optimizing the performance of equine athletes and internal medicine.

Elisa Bentsen, DVM

Practicing Location: Navasota

Professional Interests: *Stay Tuned*

Dr. Elisa Bentsen is an equine veterinarian at Brazos Valley Equine Hospitals – Navasota. Growing up in rural Hesperia, California, she developed a love for the outdoors and animals from an early age. Dr. Bentsen earned her bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from West Texas A&M in 2017 before pursuing her veterinary education at Texas A&M. Her passion for equine medicine was evident early on, as she worked as a vet tech for five years at an equine hospital in Canyon, TX, prior to becoming a veterinarian. At BVEH, Dr. Bentsen started as a rotating intern and has since become an associate, specializing in reproductive technologies, mare and stallion management, and working with roughstock and hoofstock.

Outside of her veterinary career, Dr. Bentsen is an avid beach volleyball player, competing at a high level. She also helps her husband, Travis, a retired professional football player, with his small business and cares for their cattle. The couple shares their home with three dogs: two Blue Heelers named Stevie and Jasper, and a Border Collie named Leroy. Dr. Bentsen’s approach to veterinary medicine is influenced by her belief that kindness rarely goes unnoticed or unappreciated. Looking to the future, she aims to balance her professional goals with personal passions, including playing in a professional beach volleyball tournament and traveling internationally at least once a year.