VCA Animal Referral and Emergency Center of Arizona
-
Open
-
Mon-Sun:
Open 24 hours
VCA Animal Referral and Emergency Center of Arizona
480-898-0001
Dr. Roman Savicky was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. He graduated from Arizona State University in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agribusiness with a minor in Pre-Veterinary Medicine.
After graduation, Dr. Savicky was accepted into Veterinary School at Colorado State University, graduating with a DVM degree in 2007. This four-year program confirmed his desire to become a veterinary surgeon. After graduating, he accepted a one-year small animal rotating internship at Michigan Veterinary Specialists.
Following completion of his internship, Dr. Savicky completed a second one-year, more specialized internship in small animal surgery at the prestigious Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists in Houston, TX. After completion of his surgical internship, Dr. Savicky accepted a three-year small animal surgical residency at VCA All-Care Animal Referral Center (now VCA West Coast Specialty and Emergency Animal Hospital) in southern California. During his residency, Dr. Savicky was exposed to a high volume of state-of-the-art orthopedic, soft tissue, and neurologic surgical procedures in small animals.
For over a decade, Dr. Savicky has dedicated himself to learning, practicing, and teaching advanced veterinary surgical procedures. He has published articles in peer-reviewed literature researching risks for excessive tibial plateau angle, comparing treatment options in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament injuries, urinary bladder reconstruction, and outcomes following removal of infected TPLO implants. He has mentored numerous interns and specialty interns and helped guide them to achieve their desired goals. Dr. Savicky has continued to master his profession with advanced training in stem cell therapy, tracheal stenting, plastic/reconstructive surgery, PRP therapy, minimally invasive surgery (arthroscopy and laparoscopy), and total hip replacement.
When not at work, Dr. Savicky enjoys time with his Boarder Collie, Oreo, and two cats, Steve and Maggie. Dr. Savicky also has a passion for travel, sports, and more recently scuba diving.
A board certified veterinary surgeon is a licensed veterinarian who has obtained intensive, additional surgical training. A veterinary surgeon can offer special assistance in the following kinds of cases:
While your general practitioner veterinarian can diagnose and treat many health problems, certain diseases and conditions require the care of a doctor who has had specialized, intensive surgical training in order to provide the very best outcome for your pet. Your veterinary surgeon will work closely with your general practitioner veterinarian, as well as'"depending on your pet's condition'"other board certified specialists in internal medicine, veterinary oncology, veterinary neurology, and veterinary radiology.
Why Does My Pet Need A Veterinary Surgeon?
Just as your own primary care physician may feel the need to refer you to the care of a specialist from time to time, your general practitioner veterinarian may feel your pet needs the additional expertise of a board certified surgeon for certain surgeries. In fact, many general practitioner veterinarians refer all but the most routine of surgeries to specialists'"orthopedic and neurology cases, reconstructive surgeries, tumor removals, etc.
Board certified veterinary surgeons also are often affiliated with referral hospitals where they may have access to specialized diagnostic or surgical equipment, the latest and safest anesthesia monitoring equipment, physical therapy or rehabilitation capabilities, and other critical care services that a general practitioner may not have access to. All of these specialized services may be necessary for the optimal care and recovery of your pet.
You can be assured that a veterinarian who knows when to refer you and your pet to a veterinary surgeon is one that is caring and committed to ensuring that your pet receives the highest standard of care for his or her problem.
What Kinds of Problems Require the Expertise of a Veterinary Surgeon?
Board certified veterinary surgeons can repair complex fractures, perform total hip replacements, and use advanced techniques to repair torn ligaments (ruptured cruciate ligaments) within the knee. They can also remove cancerous growths, manage extensive or non-healing wounds, and perform reconstructive surgery, such as grafting skin over large injuries. Veterinary surgeons can perform intricate surgeries in the chest or abdomen, such as kidney transplants in cats or repairing heart defects in dogs. Spinal injuries and herniated discs are problems that are also commonly referred to board certified surgeons. Veterinary surgery is also expanding into minimally invasive surgery, such as arthroscopy, thorascopy, and laparoscopy.
Will My Regular Veterinarian Still Be Involved?
In many if not most surgical cases, your regular veterinarian will still supervise your pet's veterinary care, especially if your pet is continuing to cope with a disease or chronic condition. It depends on your pet's particular disease and health problem, however. Typically, though, your general practitioner veterinarian will oversee many aspects of your pet's pre-op and post-op care, just as in human medicine. Recovery periods are often prolonged in many surgical cases, particularly in orthopedic surgery, and it is very important to follow your veterinary team's recommendations concerning at-home recovery guidelines for your pet, follow up care and appointments, as well as any rehabilitation that has been prescribed.
Did You Know?
Just as in humans, a pet's recovery from veterinary surgery can go more smoothly or even result in a better outcome with the addition of rehabilitation options. Many veterinary referral hospitals offer rehabilitation services, such as water therapy, physical therapy, and massage therapy, as an adjunct to surgical care.
If you think that your pet may be a candidate for veterinary surgery, talk to your general practitioner veterinarian, or find a board certified veterinary surgeon near you today.
Hospital Hours:
Mon-Sun: Open 24 hours