Bios

of our staff



- Dr. Patrick First -

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Dr. Patrick First grew up in Madison, Wisconsin. He spent his childhood helping care for his family’s Arabian horse farm, where he earned multiple titles showing Arabians at the Regional and National levels. In 2007, he was nominated for the USEF’s Young Rider of the Year Award. His love of horses and the equine industry led him to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. Dr. First completed his undergraduate degree at Mississippi State University prior to attending the College of Veterinary Medicine, also located at Mississippi State. Throughout vet school, he was elected President of his class, President of the student chapter of AAEP, and received the Large Animal Surgery Award. After graduation, he moved to Tallahassee, Florida where he worked as an Associate Veterinarian at a referral equine practice then eventually moved to Mobile and started First Equine Veterinary Services alongside his wife, Dr. Brittany First. His professional interests include sports medicine, lameness, reproduction, and dentistry. Dr. First is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and American Association of Equine Practitioners. Dr. First is an avid polocrosse player and enjoys being an avid part of the local equestrian community. In his spare time, he enjoys running, going to the beach, and spending time with Brittany.

The First’s are excited to offer an exclusively equine veterinary service to the local horse community. They are enjoying being back home with their two dogs, Diesel and Dolcé, their cat, Gracie, and their beloved horses, Floppy and Maui.

- Dr. Brittany First -

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Dr. Brittany First is originally from Mobile, Alabama where her love of horses started at a very young age. She developed friendships in the local horse community throughout South Alabama and Mississippi riding and competing her off-the-track Thoroughbred, Jo. After completing her Bachelor’s Degree with Honors at the University of South Alabama, she attended Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation, Dr. Brittany worked at an equine referral practice outside Birmingham, Alabama for two years, then moved to Tallahassee, Florida where she served as a mixed animal Veterinarian.In 2016, she moved back home to Mobile and started First Equine Veterinary Services alongside her husband, Dr. Patrick First. She has received certifications in equine acupuncture, spinal manipulation (chiropractic), and equine rehabilitation from Chi University and serves as a lab instructor for the spinal manipulation courses offered there. Aside from these integrative therapies, Dr. Brittany also enjoys routine wellness visits and client education. She is a member of American Veterinary Medical Association, American Association of Equine Practitioners, United States Equestrian Federation, United States Eventing Association, and United States Dressage Federation. Dr. Brittany is happy to be a part of the local horse community and enjoys eventing and dressage with her horse, Floppy. She and Dr. Patrick are loving life on their small farm with their horses, two dogs, cats, and goats.

- Dr. Zach Nettles -

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Dr. Zach Nettles grew up in Pelahatchie,MS. He was introduced to horses at a young age and began riding competitively, mostly in western performance events, and won multiple titles at the national level. He attended Mississippi State University where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture. He then went on to attend veterinary school at Mississippi State, graduating in 2024 and receiving the MVMA Large Animal Award. During his time at Mississippi State, his passion for riding continued as he spent most of his spare time working on a cattle ranch. His primary professional interests include equine sports medicine, lameness, podiatry, and reproduction.

Services

that we offer


  

  • Preventative Medicine
    Wellness plans, Vaccinations, Coggins, Fecal Egg Counts, Sheath Cleaning, Geriatric Care


  • Performance Dentistry
    Oral Examinations, Dental Floating, Wolf Tooth Removal, Dental Extractions


  • Lameness
    Evaluations/Screening, Joint Injections, Advanced Imaging, Rehabilitation

  • Lameness Locator

  • Podiatry
    Laminitis Treatment, Hoof Balancing, Venograms
  • Digital Radiography

  • Ultrasound

  • Endoscopy
    Upper Airway, Lower Airway

  • Gastroscopy

  • Pre-Purchase Exams

  • Microchipping

  • Acupuncture

  • Spinal Manipulation

  • Therapeutic Laser

  • Shockwave Therapy

  • Mesotherapy

  • Surgery
    Castrations, Mass Removal, Enucleations, Caslicks


  • Reproductive Services
    Artificial Insemination, Chilled Semen, Neonatal Exams

  • Educational Seminars

  • Emergency Services
    For established clients only

Charitable Fund


Phineas Memorial Fund: Honoring a Sweet Baby Donkey

Phineas was a cherished baby donkey whose gentle spirit and playful nature brought joy and unity to the team at First Equine Veterinary Services. The fund serves as a heartfelt tribute to Phineas, whose time with us, though brief, left a lasting mark on our hearts.

Phineas was a symbol of joy and compassion. From his playful antics to his gentle nuzzles, he quickly became the beloved mascot of our veterinary team. His presence reminded us all of the importance of kindness and care in our work, fostering a strong sense of community among staff and clients alike. Phineas taught us about love, resilience, and the bonds we form in our shared commitment to animal welfare.

The Phineas Memorial Fund is dedicated to several meaningful initiatives:

  • Equine Care and Rescue: Contributions will support local animal rescue organizations and sanctuaries that provide shelter and rehabilitation for equines in need.
  • Emergency Support: The fund will help provide support for equines that may not receive much needed emergency care due to their caretaker's circumstances.
  • Community Outreach: We aim to develop outreach programs that promote awareness about the importance of equine welfare and responsible ownership, ensuring that the love Phineas inspired continues to spread.

How to Donate

We invite you to join us in honoring Phineas by contributing to the Phineas Memorial Fund. Donations of any size are welcome and will be used directly for the initiatives outlined above. Together, we can continue Phineas’s legacy of compassion and care. To make a donation, please give us a call. Every contribution helps us create a lasting impact in our community and beyond.

Thank You

Your support means the world to us and helps keep Phineas’s spirit alive. Let us come together to ensure that the love and joy he brought to our lives will continue to shine through our collective efforts in caring for animals in need. Thank you for your generosity and for helping us honor a truly special baby donkey.

phineas

Companies we work with:

Externships


At First Equine Veterinary Services, we’re proud to offer hands-on learning experiences through our dynamic externship program. As an external teaching site for Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine Enhanced Clinical Practicum (ECP) Program, we provide veterinary students a front-row seat to the world of equine medicine. We also welcome externs from other veterinary schools, offering a well-rounded experience.
Students will ride along with our veterinarians for both routine and emergency calls, gaining valuable insights and firsthand experience in equine care. Plus, we offer convenient on-site lodging with a cozy apartment attached to the clinic for a seamless stay. Interested in joining us? Reach out to the office and take the next step in your veterinary journey!

Contact

us for more information






Monday-Friday 9-4pm
251-377-4540  •  EMAIL



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