Nathaniel Lam | VCA Family and Oahu Veterinary Specialty Center

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Nathaniel Lam

Veterinary Specialist DVM, DACVS

Dr. Nathaniel Lam, DVM, DACVS, is passionate about Hawaii and its community. It is his philosophy that with medical care, families become members of the health care team, and doctors become family. Prior to becoming a veterinarian he pursued his love of art and design as a professional photographer. He received a B.S. in Cognitive Computer Science from UCLA in 2004 and earned a D.V.M. from Michigan State University in 2009 prior to completing a rotating internship at the University of Pennsylvania and a Residency in Small Animal Surgery from the prestigious Animal Medical Center in New York City. He is strongly committed to working with primary veterinarians to provide the highest level of care through a focus on education and comprehensive case management. His professional interests include minimally-invasive surgery (laparoscopy, thoracoscopy, arthroscopy), interventional radiology (stenting), knee surgery (TPLO, TTA, patellar luxation), trauma and wound care, and exotic animal surgery. Dr. Lam is certified to administer platelet-rich plasma therapy and veterinary stem cell therapy (Vet-Stem). He resides in Honolulu where he enjoys outdoor activities, exploring with his dogs Cali and Lily, photography, volunteer work, and playing the guitar. Dr. Lam is also the co-founder of the non-profit organization The Arch Project (501c3) and a local indoor rock climbing gym.

Papers Authored

Tracheostomy, in Small Animal Surgical Emergencies

Upper airway obstruction is a common emergency condition in the small animal patient that requires immediate intervention. It is important for the small animal emergency clinician to recognize when an emergency tracheostomy is required, and have the necessary equipment readily available to perform the procedure safely and effectively. Aside from the tracheostomy tube itself, essential equipment necessary to perform a temporary tracheostomy include instruments necessary for a surgical approach to the trachea, suture, and material such as umbilical tape to secure the tracheostomy tube in place. In veterinary patients, complications associated with temporary tracheostomy tube placement are common and have been reported in up to 86% of cases. Significant complications directly associated with an artificial airway in veterinary patients are accidental extubation, tube occlusion, airway colonization, and subcutaneous emphysema. Despite risk of occlusion, permanent tracheostomies can be an effective, palliative procedure for animals with severe obstructive upper airway disease.

Aronson, L, Ed. Hoboken, NJ. Wiley-Blackwell

Published

Esophageal Stenting for Treatment of Refractory Benign Esophageal Strictures in Dogs

To describe the technique and determine the outcome of esophageal stenting for treatment of refractory
benign esophageal strictures (RBES) in dogs.

Lam, NK., Weisse C, Berent AC, Murphy S, Kaae J, Radlinsky M, Dunn M, Richter K

Published

Animal Medical Center, New York, NY

Endoscopic Placement of Ureteral Stents for Treatment of Congenital Bilateral Ureteral Stenosis in a Dog

A 5-year-old 8.6-kg (18.9-lb) spayed female Pug was evaluated because of chronic hematuria and recurrent urinary tract infections.

Lam NK., Berent AC, Weisse C, Bryan C, Mackin A, Bagley D

Published

Animal Medical Center, New York, NY. JAVMA, 2012 ; 240:983-90