by Betty Weibel, for the Cleveland Equine Clinic

Ravenna, OH — The Cleveland Equine Clinic is pleased to announce that Michael Latessa, DVM, of Maple Heights, has joined the veterinary practice. Dr. Latessa will work with race and performance horses focusing on lameness diagnostics, as well as general equine healthcare.

From the time he was a teen, Dr. Latessa has been immersed in harness racing. His father and grandfather trained Standardbreds for years at Northfield Park. He became involved in harness racing at Northfield Park as well as at other tracks around the country. His knowledge and love of horses led to his career choice in veterinary medicine.

After working at Scioto Downs in the racing and public relations offices, he earned scholarships from Harness Tracks of America. He attended The Ohio State University and graduated from OSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2008. Dr. Latessa also gained experience in Thoroughbred racing during a surgical internship at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in Lexington, Ky., during 2008 and 2009.