Mission
River Basin Equine is committed to providing ethical and professional equine care for our patients, clients, and referring veterinarians. 

History
Dr. Kirk Heisterkamp and Dr. Christine Wilkin, a husband and wife veterinarian team and native Iowans, moved back to Iowa from Texas in 1997 to share their equine veterinary experience and education with the community.

Wanting to practice a higher level of equine veterinary care than what could be provided out of a truck, the team built a hospital facility in 1999.  The objective is to provide  quality veterinary service and education for horse owners and referring veterinarians in eastern Iowa.

Our Staff

KIRK HEISTERKAMP, D.V.M.
I have a strong interest in surgery, lameness, ophthalmology, and wounds.

I grew up in western Iowa in the heart of the Loess hills. I knew at a young age that I wanted to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. I attended Oklahoma State University, then transferred to Iowa State University were I obtained my doctorate in veterinary medicine and met my wife. I emphasized equine medicine and surgery during my veterinary education and was fortunate to receive an equine internship at Texas A&M University. After five years in an equine practice in the Houston area, we moved back to Iowa to start our own practice.

Canoeing, kayaking, upland bird hunting with our dogs Josie & Sully, archery hunting deer & turkeys, motorcycle trips, coaching Wyatt's baseball team and reading nonfiction historical books are all away from work activities I enjoy.

CHRISTINE WILKIN, D.V.M.
The favorite aspect of my veterinary career, is the variety of cases and people that I encounter. I enjoy establishing a patient/client relationship and working with the owner to help keep there horse healthy. I also have a strong interest in medicine, including neonatal care, and nutrition. Lastly, I will be the veterinarian seen performing anesthesia during surgical procedures. 

I grew up on a farm in eastern Iowa and exhibited appaloosa horses as a young girl. My passion for horses and animals in general lead me to obtaining a degree in animal science and doctorate in veterinary medicine from Iowa State University.  Currently, my horse passion lies with a young Hanoverian mare. I am challenging myself to learn the rewarding discipline of dressage.

In my spare time I enjoy cooking for my family and friends, outdoor activities, and a good movie. Kirk and I are both kept busy with our son, Wyatt.  Wyatt can occasionally be found at the hospital and gives a great hospital tour.

MEGAN RULEY
Hi! I am Megan and I have worked at River Basin Equine for 8 years now. 

One of my biggest passions in life is horses! I have had them since I was a young girl, so having the opportunity to work with them everyday is wonderful. Most horses that come into the clinic steal my heart the moment they walk in! In 2009 a dream came true for me as I rode one of the greatest western pleasure horses in the world to a NSBA Congress Champion/AQHA Reserve Congress Champion placing! What a year that was!!

I have a son Chandler that is my world! He is very active in football, basketball, and track. I love going to watch and taking pictures of all the memories. I am very anxious to see what the high school years have in store for Chandler, they are just around the corner.

I also enjoy photography, golfing, water sports, reading and watching my favorite sports teams! Go Hawkeyes, Cardinals, Vikings, and Ravens!!