About Dr. Rodrigo Vazquez

Dr. Vazquez is the owner and founder of Equine Surgical Services Inc. (ESS), a sports medicine and surgical referral practice. ESS operates out of Helen Woodward Animal Center (HWAC), which is located in the heart of Rancho Santa Fe, CA. just a few miles from the Del Mar Race track. 

Dr. Rodrigo Vazquez De Mercado, DVM, MPVM, DACVS, has been practicing veterinary medicine since 1987. Immediately following his graduation from veterinary school he started an Equine Medicine Internship under the guidance of Dr. Dan Evans at Escondido Veterinary Hospital. After his internship, Dr. Vazquez was awarded a scholarship which allowed him the opportunity to attend the Master's program of Preventative Veterinary Medicine at University of California at Davis. After completing his Master's degree, he went into the equine internal medicine residency program at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at UC Davis, under the mentorship of Drs. Gary Carlson and John Madigan. Following his residency, he then joined the faculty of the veterinary school at the University of Baja California in Mexico, where he organized and directed the construction of their equine hospital, including a surgical suite and intensive care units. After four years of teaching equine medicine and surgery he returned to UC Davis to complete an equine surgery residency. Dr. Vazquez received his board certification by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. After his residency, Dr. Vazquez stayed on as staff surgeon at the Veterinary Medical teaching Hospital at UC Davis. Later, Dr. Vazquez moved on into private practice equine medicine and surgery.

Dr. Vazquez works with all breeds of horses, with particular emphasis in the dressage and hunter/jumper disciplines.  

Dr. Vazquez and the twins, Sunny and Angel