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Brendan Kraus opens vet hospital in Florence

Staff reporter

Brendan Kraus always liked working with cattle and horses as a boy on his family's farm.

In three years, he graduated from Pittsburg State University and attended Kansas State University. Four years later, he graduated and is now Brendan Kraus, DVM.

On Monday, Kraus opened the former Florence Veterinary Clinic as Spur Ridge Vet Hospital.

A 1995 graduate of Marion High School, Kraus graduated from KSU in 2002. For the past two years, he managed a practice in Louisburg.

"It was all equine and bovine (horses and cattle)," Kraus said. But he does have extensive experience with small animals.

When he had an opportunity to purchase the building in Florence, Kraus took it. Since then, he and his family, and employee Debbie Steele, have been busy preparing the facility. New paint, wooden desk counter, and overall cleaning of the facility has occupied their time until supplies arrive.

Facility

In the main part of the building, there is an office and waiting room area, small animal exam room, surgery room with x-ray equipment, and treatment and lab area.

The rear of the building houses an indoor large animal treatment room with holding pens, chutes, and stalls.

Livestock pens are located behind the building.

"I have the capability of unloading and holding a semi load of animals," he explained.

A kennel, located in a newer, metal building is owned by the City of Florence. In return for allowing the veterinarian to use the building, Kraus will provide a shelter for stray animals in Florence.

Services

Kraus provides routine small animal exams and surgeries. He also provides equine power dentistry.

"The electronic dentistry is quicker and easier on the animal," said Brendon. Power dentistry provides tooth reduction on horses.

"A portable x-ray machine with auto processing reduces the amount of time for an x-ray to be processed," said Kraus. Portable equipment are standard tools of the trade. He also has portable ultrasound equipment, provides lameness exams, and reproductive assistance for both cattle and horses.

Electronics are an important part of the services Kraus provides to his clients.

He has access to herd management software which enables reports to be generated in the field. He is able to weigh a newborn calf in the field with a portable cattle shoot with scales and generate a report regarding the animal's size, condition, and other vital information.

"A portable cattle shoot also has the capabilities to read electronic identification tags," he said.

Kraus said the federal government eventually will regulate all cattle herds as a means to regulate the threat of Mad Cow Disease. Regulations will require identification numbers be placed in the ears of cattle and many ranchers will opt for electronic ID tags.

The vet hospital also will have available for sale animal supplies and prescription foods.

Brendan and his wife Tina make their home at Marion County Park and Lake. Tina is a social studies, science, and computer teacher at Marion Middle School.

Brendan is the son of Don and Vicki Kraus of Marion.

The office is located at 424 N. Main, Florence. Office employees Steele and Belinda Skiles will assist with appointments and office visits.

Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday. Emergency services are available 24 hours a day. To make an appointment or in case of an emergency, call Spur Ridge Vet Hospital at 620-878-4500.

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