Orthopedic surgery involves bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Fractured bones and torn ligaments are some of the most common injuries seen by the veterinary surgeon.
In many cases, there are multiple injuries to the pet often as the result of trauma. Advanced techniques including the use of steel plates and screws or elaborate bone pin and clamp systems are required to adequately stabilize these injuries so that the pet can heal normally.
Many pet owners are unaware of specialization in veterinary medicine although they are quite familiar with it in human medicine. A specialist in veterinary medicine is quite similar to the human counterpart, both having gone through additional years of study and training to dedicate themselves to their chosen area.
As the human physician will refer patients to a surgeon for complicated procedures, veterinary practitioners often refer surgical cases to a veterinary surgeon.
Only veterinarians who have successfully completed the certification requirements of the ACVS are Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and have earned the right to be called specialists in veterinary surgery.
Veterinarians wishing to become board certified must complete a three-year residency program, meet specific training and caseload requirements, perform research and have their research published. This process is supervised by current ACVS Diplomates, ensuring consistency in training and adherence to high standards. Some of the services available at VCA Animal Hospitals include:
