Coastal Equine Veterinary Services is a mobile veterinary practice which provides veterinary services to horses throughout the Chesapeake, Virginia region. The practice was founded in 1996 by Dr. Craig Sweeney. Dr. Sweeney provides veterinary services 24/7 for emergencies and regular office hours are 9-5 Monday through Friday.
A native of Southampton County, Dr. April Burgess joined Coastal Equine in 2013. Dr. April knew from the tender age of 7 when she got her beloved pony Misty (whom she still takes care of today) that she wanted to be an equine veterinarian. After graduating from James Madison University with a degree in Chemistry, Dr. Burgess attended vet school at Virginia Tech where she received her veterinary degree in May 2009. After graduation, Dr. April moved to Portland, Oregon to work at Oakhurst Equine, home to Kentucky Derby winner Grindstone. While there, her time was divided between racetrack medicine at Portland Meadows and the sport horse and reproduction facility.
Craig Sweeney , DVM
Dr. Sweeney completed his undergraduate studies at North Carolina State University. He then attended The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. Upon graduation from vet school Dr. Sweeney returned to NC State for a one year internship and a 3 year residency in equine surgery. Upon completion of his residency, he served as an assistant professor in the Department of Medicine, Surgery and Clinical Science at the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Veterinary Medicine.
Tiffany Spannagel , DVM
Dr. Tiffany Spannagel is a native Buckeye who received her veterinary degree at The Ohio State University. After graduation Dr. Tiffany completed an internship at Blue Ridge Equine Clinic in Charlottesville, Virginia. Dr. Spannagel has been part of the Coastal Equine family since 2007. Her specific veterinary interests include ophthalmology and preventative medicine.
Tyler Sweeney , DVM
Dr. Tyler Sweeney has been a part of the Coastal Equine family since he was a boy. His experiences riding along with his father and owner of the practice, Dr. Craig Sweeney, were instrumental in developing his interest in veterinary medicine, as well as his love and appreciation for horses. Dr. Tyler obtained his undergraduate degree in Biology at the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Kentucky. He returned to Virginia and in 2012 completed his veterinary degree at Virginia Tech. Dr. Sweeney was honored as the Large Animal Surgery Student of the Year in 2012. He also served as president of his veterinary fraternity. Upon completion of his DVM, he spent a year as an intern at Chaparral Veterinary Medical Center in Arizona.
