What Is A Board Certified Veterinary Surgeon?

A board certified veterinary surgeon is a licensed veterinarian whom has obtained intensive, additional surgical training and has passed the board examination administered by the American College of Veterinary Surgery. A veterinary surgeon can offer special assistance in the following kinds of cases:

• Traumatic injuries: fractures, ligament and tendon injuries, skin wounds, burns and lacerations
• Emergency Surgeries: gastric and intestinal foreign body removal, correction of gastric dilation and volvulus (GDV), caesarean section, pyometra surgery (infection in the uterus), and splenectomy
• Developmental Orthopedic conditions: hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), angular limb deformities
• Orthopedic surgeries: arthroscopy, cruciate ligament injury surgery (TPLO), correction of medial patellar luxation, fracture repair, ligament/tendon repair 
• Soft tissue surgeries to treat: laryngeal paralysis, brachycephalic airway syndrome, tumors (cancers) on or within the body, correction of congenital conditions (e.g. ectopic ureters)

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 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 other board certified specialists in veterinary internal medicine, oncology, neurology, and radiology when necessary based on your pet’s specific condition. 

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 procedures and surgeries. 

At VCA VSNC, our surgeons have access to specialized diagnostic and surgical equipment, the latest and safest anesthesia monitoring equipment, physical therapy and 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.

Will My Regular Veterinarian Still Be Involved?

n many surgical cases, your regular veterinarian will still supervise your pet's overall veterinary health care, especially if your pet is continuing to cope with a disease or chronic condition. Your general practitioner veterinarian may oversee many aspects of your pet's pre-op and post-op care, just as in human medicine. Recovery periods can be prolonged in some surgical cases, particularly in orthopedic and neurologic 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. VCA VSNC offers rehabilitation services such as underwater treadmill, physical therapy, massage therapy, cold laser, shockwave therapy and acupuncture as an adjunct to surgical care.
If you think that your pet may benefit by consultation with a board certified veterinary surgeon, talk to your general practitioner veterinarian, or find a board certified veterinary surgeon near you today.