Dr Steve Pryor BVSc, MACVSc (Small Animal Surgery)

Steve (pictured here with Tess) graduated from the University of Melbourne Veterinary School in 1985. His first year out of vet school was spent in a mixed practice in Casterton in the Western District of Victoria, and this was followed by a year in Deniliquin, in the Riverina. From there he moved to Murwillumbah on the far north NSW Coast, initially to locum for a few months, but ended up staying 10 years!

During his years in Murwillumbah, Steve worked initially as a mixed practice vet, but became increasingly small animal oriented with a strong interest in surgery, and emergency medicine. There were many car struck patients in critical condition, with broken bones to be fixed, many snake bitten pets, and pets affected by paralysis ticks (we don't get these in Victoria!).

Towards the end of his stay in Murwillumbah, Steve started studying for his membership examination of the Australian College of Veterinary Surgeons, initially under the tutelage of Dr Geoff Robbins. He attained his membership in 1999, 6 months after moving back to Melbourne.

Since moving to Melbourne in late 1998, Steve has worked solely in small animal practice, first doing locums then settling at Eltham. For the last 8 years Steve's been at Eltham Veterinary Practice (Clinic), having succeeded Dr Daryl Hoffmann.

His professional qualifications and post-graduate training include:
· Bachelor of  Veterinary Science Univ Melb 1985
· Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
· Membership of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists in Small Animal Surgery 1999.

He regularly talks on community radio Plenty Valley FM, and speaks to classes at several local schools as part of the AVA Petpep childrens education program on pets in society. He has hosted local client nights on Animal Behaviour issues with Dr Robert Holmes as guest speaker. He is a member of the AVA, the Australian Small Animal Veterinary Association, the AVPMA, the Victorian branch of the AVA, and Melbourne Metropolitan Practitioners Branch of the AVA.

In his words “It's great working with animals, I feel very privileged to be entrusted with the care of people's much loved pets.”

His aim at Eltham Veterinary Practice is to provide high quality compassionate care for family pets, as well as the most up to date and optimal choices for their health. Steve consults closely with specialists in all aspects of veterinary medicine and surgery. Steve has a particular interest in surgery, cancer care and dentistry.

Steve, his wife Clare, and sons Tom and Sam have a well known Bullmastiff Tess (who's recently had pups), a sweet little Cavoodle named Rosie, three moggies Leo, Reg and Harry and 6 chooks. In his spare time you might find Steve out on the golf course, watching his sons' numerous sporting events, out for dinner, or at the footy watching the Bombers.

Dr Gus Braniff

Those who have been to Eltham Veterinary Pract ice in the last few months may have seen a new face. Dr. Gus Braniff joined the practice just before Christmas, bringing a wealth of experience from his numerous previous roles.

Gus started veterinary practice working with Dr Andrew Turner (now an eye specialist) at Research. His roles outside of private practice have included:

•  Clinical Nutrition Expert for a global pet nutrition firm
•  Senior technical support and market development role for an Australasian animal health company
•  Senior veterinary surgeon for a network of corporately owned practices.

Living locally, Gus and Lauren have 2 children, 3 dogs, 6 horses, 7 cats, chickens, ducks, guinea pigs and rabbits. He is now enjoying a shorter drive to work and the opportunity to work once more with pet owners and their family pets at Eltham Veterinary Practice.

Come in and say, 'Hi!' to Gus. He has an engaging style in the practice and often humours pet owners whilst providing expert health advice.