Dr. Anikis grew up in Howard County, Maryland with an interest in animals of all kinds starting with falconry at the age of ten. He attended the University of Maryland at College Park with a dual major in biochemistry and microbiology and received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Virginia Tech. It was during his senior year at Virginia Tech that he developed a strong interest in equine medicine and surgery.
Dr. Anikis is a partner in The Piedmont Equine Practice, where his primary interest has been in the diagnosis and treatment of lameness problems in horses. He developed a special interest in hoof problems and laminitis and learned to shoe horses while working in a mixed animal practice in Loudoun County, Virginia for 10 years.
Dr. Anikis has been a large animal consultant to the Washington National Zoo since 1996, treating elephants, rhinoceroses, giraffe, and zebra. He served as a treatment veterinarian at the 2005 FEI World Cup Final for dressage in Las Vegas, Nevada, at numerous steeplechase races and 3-day events. Dr. Anikis also works as an emergency veterinarian to the Ringling Brothers Circus.
Dr. Anikis regularly attends state-of-the-art continuing education seminars where he enjoys collaborating with colleagues. His main practice is in Northern Virginia, but he also works with clients in Europe and Florida. An accomplished rock climber and ice climber, his hobbies include skiing, running, fishing, and growing orchids. Dr. Anikis lives in Delaplane, Virginia with his wife, Doerte–a veterinarian and accomplished rider and their two sons, Timothy and Erik.
