Dr. Forfa started Monocacy Equine in 1983. He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Veterinary Practice with a specialty in Equine Medicine. Dr. Forfa graduated from University of Parma, Italy in 1980. From 1980-1981, he practiced at the thoroughbred racetracks at Monmouth Park and Meadowlands. He also practiced on Maryland’s Eastern Shore prior to starting Monocacy Equine.

He is particularly interested in the care of the mare and foal, gastrointestinal diseases of the horse and conditions of the hoof. Dr. Forfa enjoys combined carriage driving and is an avid fly fisherman.

Dr. O’Halloran joined Monocacy Equine in 1994, becoming part owner in 1999. Dr. O’Halloran graduated from veterinary school at the University of Florida in 1992. From 1992-1994, he practiced at the thoroughbred racetracks at Hialeah and Gulfstream. Dr. O’Halloran worked as a farrier for ten years both before and during veterinary school.

Dr. O’Halloran has a special interest in lameness, hoof problems and equine dentistry. His personal interests include pleasure riding, foxhunting, sailing and camping with his family.

Dr. Wagner joined Monocacy Equine in 2001. Prior to joining the practice she did a large animal medicine residency at the University of California, Davis and an internship at the Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, KY. She is a 1997 graduate of the Virginia- Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine and is a Diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

Dr. Wagners’ professional interests include medical diseases of the horse, foal problems and ophthalmic and neurological conditions. An accomplished event rider, she continues to compete locally in dressage.

Dr. Donatelli came to Monocacy Equine as an intern in 1999. He is a graduate of University of LaPlata, Argentina.

His professional interests are equine dentistry and lameness. In his spare time Dr. Donatelli plays polo. Prior to coming to America he was a champion rodeo rider in his native Argentina.

Dr. Facemire started at Monocacy Equine in 2007. She is a Diplomat of the American Board of Veterinary Practice with a specialty in Equine Medicine. She is 2000 graduate of Purdue University and completed a surgical internship at the Hagyard-Davidson-McGee equine hospital in Lexington, KY in 2001. She has spent the last five years working in mixed animal practices. Prior to veterinary school, she worked as a chemical engineer for a major pharmaceutical company.

Dr Facemire’s professional interests include emergency medicine, internal medicine and ophthalmology. Her personal interests include pleasure riding, dressage, gardening and hiking with her husband and 4 dogs.

Dr. Dubbin joined Monocacy Equine in 2000 as a part-time staff veterinarian. He graduated from the University of Florida and is also employed at the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine.

"Electro-shockwave therapy uses high energy pulses to stimulate the healing response to injured bone and soft tissue (tendons, ligaments).  The shockwaves increase circulation in the affected area, allowing new bone and soft tissue cells to form.  This procedure is used to treat bowed tendons, suspensory ligament injuries, bone fractures, and arthritis."

--Javier C. Donatelli, DVM

"Colic treatment requires a complete physical exam which includes monitoring the horse's vital signs, a rectal exam and nasal gastric intubation.  When colics do not respond to simple therapy, intravenous fluid administration may be required  Such non-surgical colic conditions are colitis, enteritis, impactions and certain spasmodic and gas colics."

--Richard J. Forfa, DVM, Dip. A.B.V.P.

"Ultrasound provides a non-invasive, reliable and safe way to image the inside of the horse.  Monocacy Equine uses ultrasound imaging to provide useful information about tendons and ligaments, cardiovascular problems, abdominal and reproductive issues."

--Peter J. O'Halloran, DVM