A stalwart of the veterinary profession and pioneer of veterinary ophthalmology, Dr Rowan Blogg recently passed away, just a few weeks prior to his 90th birthday. He is fondly remembered for his love of the profession, his mentorship and guidance of many in the veterinary community, and his skill and knowledge as Australia’s preeminent veterinary eye specialist.
“Rowan Blogg grew up riding horses on the outskirts of Melbourne, which led to his love of animals and a desire to become a veterinarian. He resided at St Paul’s College, Sydney University, where he studied Veterinary Medicine. He began large animal practice in Gippsland, but under the mentorship of Stan Dennis he switched to small animal practice,” said Dr Blogg’s son Dr James Blogg.
“After setting up his practice in Armadale, he began to provide honorary services to Lady Nell Seeing Eye Dog School, where he noticed many of the dogs had visual problems. Dr Dennis then suggested Rowan pursue studies in ophthalmology in Kansas, United States, where he completed his Master’s degree. Upon returning to Australia, he built Malvern Animal Hospital, which eventually housed his speciality eye practice.”
Happy and generous nature
Dr Andrea Tims, the current owner of Malvern Vet Hospital in Victoria, first met Dr Blogg when he lectured her as a veterinary student at Melbourne University.
“I then knew him as a work colleague when I started work at Malvern Vet in 1992, as Rowan was then operating his ophthalmology practice from the same premises, which was at that stage Melbourne's first veterinary referral centre.”
“Rowan was the first veterinary specialist in Australia in any field. An Academic Associate, Senior Fellow and Senior Lecturer at Melbourne University for many years, he served on the Veterinary Practitioners Registration Board of Victoria for more than one term, and was instrumental in the establishment of Guide Dogs Australia. I will remember his happy and generous nature, his singing and daily meditation sessions when he would inform us all not to bother him because he ‘was busy standing on his head!’,” said Dr Tims.
Dr Blogg left a lasting impression on many veterinarians, through his many friendships, his teaching and his contribution to veterinary medicine and ophthalmology.
“When I first met Dr Blogg in the late 1970s his rooms were in a fine old house in Armadale,” said Dr Robert Johnson, past President of the AVA.
“His consulting room had a touch of Herriot about it with big comfortable armchairs, a blackboard, a beautiful desk and a bay window. When we renewed our acquaintance many years later, Rowan had a lot to say about the direction of our profession and indeed the world in which we lived. He was a legend and a pioneer in his field, producing a seminal text on the eye which nearly every practice in Australia had on their shelf.”
Mentor to the next generation of veterinary eye specialists
During his illustrious veterinary career, Dr Blogg supported numerous interns who went on to become veterinary ophthalmology specialists, including Dr Robin Stanley and Dr Andrew Turner, as well as Dr Greg Burton who went on to become a veterinary dermatologist.
“Rowan was a great mentor and had a practical and somewhat adventurous mind. He was never worried about stepping into uncharted waters, often upsetting the status quo. He was able to inspire many of his colleagues with his practical, no-nonsense approach. And some of his unusual ideas were taken on board by many and later down the track, were recognised as useful addenda to the standard protocols,” said Dr Andrew Turner of All Animal Eyes Services in Victoria.
“One that comes to mind was the use of antioxidants to slow the progression of progressive retinal atrophy in dogs. And how could one forget his love of music and the use of especially classical music to focus one’s mind whilst performing delicate ocular procedures. I am deeply indebted to Rowan for his professional guidance, not only in veterinary ophthalmology, but in life!”
It is a sentiment shared by Dr Robin Stanley of Animal Eye Care in Victoria.
“Rowan certainly was the pioneer of veterinary ophthalmology in Australia. I remember starting at Malvern Vet Hospital in late 1984, and I was impressed that after many years in practice Rowan was super keen and what impressed me the most was his vast knowledge, and that he was very keen to share. I was also super impressed with his surgical skills - every time I now see a limbal melanocytoma I remember one that he dissected off Descemet’s membrane!”
“I also remember seeing practice with Dr Doug Slatter – a famous specialist surgeon and ophthalmologist in Los Angeles and he told me that Rowan was one of the best ophthalmic surgeons he had ever seen, and I agree. Thanks Rowan for your enormous contribution to our speciality, and thank you for giving me an opportunity. My condolences to the Blogg family, may he rest in peace,” said Dr Stanley.
Novel ideas and a passion for the profession
Dr Jeff Smith from the Eye Clinic for Animals in New South Wales highlighted how much Dr Blogg contributed to the veterinary profession.
“Rowan has touched many peoples’ lives, particularly those in his beloved profession. We are all so lucky to have been inspired by his passionate pursuit of ideals - often controversial, but always worthy of thought and debate.”
“How often have I spoken with Rowan and gone away thinking ‘thanks Rowan, I must remember that!’ He passionately promoted veterinary ophthalmology through teaching in Australia, and many of us currently in specialty practice are deeply indebted to him for his advice and novel ideas in the management of difficult cases. Rowan was a contributor, not a taker, and left this world a better place,” said Dr Smith.
Dr Blogg made an enormous contribution to veterinary medicine, and a passionate writer, he published several books including ‘The Eye in Veterinary Practice’, and ‘Everydog: A Complete Book of Dog Care’, which he co-authored with Eric Allan. In 2012 Dr Blogg was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division of the Queen’s Birthday Honours, for his service to veterinary science, particularly in the specialty of ophthalmology, and as an author and mentor.
“Dad was always singing. He pursued songwriting for a number of years using a range of musical collaborators. He also took time to meditate, something which he continued throughout his life. He instilled this in me when I was starting at university - and I still practice daily,” said Dr James Blogg.
Dr Blogg is survived by his wife Sue and children Andrew, James, Meg and Sarah.