Staff Image
Donald Morshead
Staff Surgeon DVM, Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons

A staff veterinarian since 1980, Dr. Morshead is our staff surgeon at VCA Chatoak Animal Hospital. His colleagues call him smart, skilled, approachable, meticulous, team leader, confident, practical, and progressive.

Education

  • Veterinary School: University of California at Davis, 1974
  • Internship: South Shore Veterinary Associates, 1974–1975
  • Surgical Residency: University of Pennsylvania, 1975–1977

Board Certification

  • Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons, 1986

Professional Organizations

  • American College of Veterinary Surgeons
  • Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society
  • Veterinary Orthopedic Society
  • American Animal Hospital Association
  • American Veterinary Medical Association
  • California Veterinary Medical Association
  • Southern California Veterinary Medical Association

Professional Interests

  • General soft tissue surgery
  • Progressive surgery techniques Orthopedic surgery, especially TPLO, and fracture repair
  • Laser surgery
  • Laparoscopic surgery
  • Therapeutic laser
I enjoy working with animals and the people who love them. Communicating with people is one of my passions and restoring pets to mobility and health is one of my greatest joys. Surgery is a complex specialty and communication is essential. My priority is for you to understand how surgery will benefit your pet, or sometimes why surgery might not be the right treatment for your pet. I make recommendations for care as if it were my own pet.  

Veterinarians

Our veterinarians are a team of highly trained individuals dedicated to the health and well-being of your pets. Explore our veterinarians' biographies and learn about the individuals who make our hospital an excellent choice for your pet's care.