When your beloved pet suffers an injury or develops a disorder affecting their bones or joints, finding specialized veterinary care is paramount. An Animal Orthopedic Surgeon Near Me possesses the expertise and advanced training required to diagnose and treat complex musculoskeletal conditions, offering the best chance for your pet’s recovery and improved quality of life. These specialists focus exclusively on the orthopedic needs of animals, from common issues like fractures and ligament tears to more intricate problems such as congenital deformities and joint diseases. Seeking out a board-certified veterinary orthopedic surgeon ensures your pet receives care grounded in extensive knowledge and experience.
Understanding the role of an animal orthopedic surgeon is the first step when faced with a pet’s orthopedic issue. These veterinarians have completed additional years of rigorous training beyond veterinary school, typically involving an internship and a residency in surgery, followed by board certification. This specialization allows them to perform advanced surgical procedures and manage orthopedic cases that require a level of expertise beyond general veterinary practice. For pet owners searching for an “Animal Orthopedic Surgeon Near Me,” locating a facility with such specialists is crucial. These facilities, often found within larger referral hospitals or university veterinary teaching hospitals, are equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical tools necessary for optimal outcomes.
About Specialized Animal Orthopedic Services
High-quality animal orthopedic surgery services are led by a team of dedicated professionals. This typically includes several faculty surgical specialists who guide the overall service and oversee complex cases. Supporting them are resident veterinarians, who are undergoing their specialized training under the mentorship of the faculty, alongside a skilled support staff. This staff is vital for providing expert perioperative management, advanced anesthesia, and compassionate client support. Often, senior veterinary students also participate, gaining invaluable clinical experience in orthopedic disease.
The primary goal of such a service is twofold: to provide the highest standard of care for animal patients and to contribute to the advancement of veterinary orthopedic medicine through teaching, training, and research. A commitment to building strong working relationships with pet owners and referring veterinarians is also key. By maintaining open communication and keeping all parties informed from the initial consultation through dismissal and follow-up, these services strive to deliver the best possible experience and outcome for the patient.
The mission of a leading animal orthopedic service often includes specific objectives aimed at excellence in clinical practice, education, and research:
- To train future veterinary specialists and students in the diagnosis and treatment of surgical diseases.
- To deliver superior surgical and medical care to animals with orthopedic conditions, utilizing evidence-based medicine for the most effective treatments.
- To push the boundaries of surgical practice by conducting scientific research and clinical trials, contributing new knowledge to the field.
Advanced Diagnostics and Procedures
Accurate diagnosis forms the foundation for effective treatment in veterinary orthopedics. Specialized services collaborate with other veterinary specialties to comprehensively evaluate patients using the most advanced diagnostic techniques and equipment available. For pet owners seeking detailed information about their animal’s condition, understanding the diagnostic capabilities of a potential “animal orthopedic surgeon near me” is important.
State-of-the-art imaging services are crucial for pinpointing orthopedic issues. These may include:
- Advanced radiography (X-ray)
- Computed tomography (CT scan)
- Fluoroscopy
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Nuclear scintigraphy
- PET CT
- Ultrasonography
These sophisticated imaging tools allow orthopedic surgeons to visualize bones, joints, muscles, and tendons in detail, enabling precise diagnoses and tailored treatment plans.
Following accurate diagnosis, specialized services offer a wide range of advanced orthopedic surgeries and consultations on patient management across all age groups. The types of procedures performed are extensive and cover various orthopedic conditions:
- Arthroscopy: Minimally invasive surgery using a small camera to examine and treat joint issues.
- Bone Cancer: Surgical options for removing bone tumors.
- Cranial Cruciate Surgery: Repair of the cranial cruciate ligament (analogous to the ACL in humans), including techniques like Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) and extracapsular repair.
- External Skeletal Fixation: Using external frames to stabilize complex fractures.
- Growth Deformity Correction: Addressing angular limb deformities in young animals.
- Muscle, Tendon, Joint Stabilization: Procedures for conditions like luxating patellas (kneecaps) or addressing congenital joint diseases in young dogs.
- Osteochondral Autografting Transplantation (OATS): A procedure to repair cartilage defects in joints.
- Patella Luxation: Surgical correction for dislocating kneecaps.
- Total Joint Replacements: Replacing damaged joints, such as hips or elbows, with artificial implants.
- Trauma Care & Fracture Repair: Treating broken bones, including minimally-invasive techniques for less severe fractures.
Choosing an animal orthopedic surgeon near me capable of performing these complex procedures ensures access to the highest level of surgical care for your pet’s specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions When Searching for an Animal Orthopedic Surgeon
When you are looking for an animal orthopedic surgeon near me and considering a specialized service, you likely have many questions. Here are some common inquiries and the typical answers provided by leading veterinary orthopedic services:
- How do I schedule a new orthopedic appointment?
- Often, specialized orthopedic services are referral-only. This means you need a preliminary diagnosis and referral from your primary veterinarian before you can schedule a consultation. Contact the service’s clinic directly to inquire about the referral process and scheduling. Many offer 24-hour emergency services for urgent cases outside of regular appointments.
- How do I schedule a recheck appointment for my pet after surgery?
- Recheck appointments are usually scheduled before you leave the hospital after your pet’s initial visit or surgery. If you need to reschedule, contact the clinic’s admissions department during their regular office hours. It’s beneficial to follow up with the same surgeon or one listed in your pet’s discharge instructions.
- Do I need a referral from my veterinarian?
- Yes, typically a referral is required. Either you or your veterinarian can initiate the first contact. Many services provide a patient referral form for your veterinarian to complete.
- What information do I need when making an appointment?
- Be prepared to provide details about your pet’s specific problem, client information, patient information, and the contact details for your primary care provider and the referring veterinarian.
- What do I need to bring to my appointment for my pet?
- Bring all relevant information from your referring veterinarian, including diagnostic results such as radiographs (X-rays), blood work, and ultrasound reports. A list of all current medications and supplements your pet is taking for the presenting problem is also essential. If radiographs are needed during the appointment, your pet may require sedation, so you might need to withhold food after midnight the night before (water is generally permitted). Always confirm fasting requirements with the clinic, especially for young pets.
- How long will my appointment last?
- Specialized appointments can take several hours, potentially even a full day, especially at teaching hospitals where cases are discussed among the team and diagnostics performed. Bringing reading material is recommended. Some facilities may offer amenities like cafeterias or nearby walking areas.
- How much will my appointment cost?
- Costs for services at specialized veterinary hospitals are comparable to private specialty practices. You should receive a written estimate and can discuss cost options with the veterinarian in charge of your case. Full payment is usually required at the end of the visit. For complex cases requiring admission, a deposit (often 50-100% of the estimate) may be required upon admission. Accepted payment methods typically include cash, checks, major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express), and ATM debit cards.
- If my dog is on a special diet, should I bring my own food?
- It is highly recommended to bring your pet’s special diet, as the hospital may not stock it. If you have concerns about your pet’s nutrition during their stay, consult with the service or a dedicated nutrition support service if available.
- Can I get a copy of the medical record?
- Yes, you can typically obtain a copy of your pet’s medical records upon request, often at no charge. Records usually include a visit summary and are available from the reception or medical records department.
- Can I get a copy of the diagnostic images?
- Copies of diagnostic images (radiology, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, MRI, CT) can usually be obtained, often through a dedicated Diagnostic Imaging Service Coordinator. There is typically a charge for copies of imaging studies.
- Will my primary veterinarian receive a copy of the medical record?
- Yes, a summary of your pet’s visit is usually mailed or sent electronically to your referring veterinarian within a specified timeframe after the visit.
- Will my primary veterinarian receive a copy of the diagnostic images?
- Typically, no. Your veterinarian can request copies of diagnostic images if needed, but there may be a charge to you for this service. Ensure your primary veterinarian’s contact information is accurately listed when you make the appointment.
Meet the Team: Faculty, House Officers, and Staff
The strength of a specialized animal orthopedic surgery service lies in its experienced and dedicated team.
Faculty
Leading the service are board-certified veterinary surgical specialists with extensive experience and often academic appointments.
Barbro Filliquist, DVM, DACVS (Small Animal), DECVS
Associate Professor, Chief of Service
Dr. Barbro Filliquist, Associate Professor and Chief of Small Animal Orthopedic Surgery Service
Po-Yen Chou, BVM, MVM, DACVS (Small Animal)
Associate Professor
Dr. Po-Yen Chou, Associate Professor of Small Animal Orthopedic Surgery
Amy S. Kapatkin, DVM, MS, DACVS (Small Animal)
Professor
Dr. Amy S. Kapatkin, Professor of Small Animal Orthopedic Surgery
Denis J. Marcellin-Little, DEDV, DACVS (Small Animal), DACVSMR
Professor
Dr. Denis J. Marcellin-Little, Professor of Small Animal Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine
House Officers
These are veterinarians pursuing advanced specialization in surgery through residency or fellowship programs.
Alex Aubrecht, DVM
Resident II
Alex Aubrecht, DVM, Small Animal Surgery Resident
Sohee Bae, DVM
Resident III
Sohee Bae, DVM, Small Animal Surgery Resident
Carma Horwood, DVM
Resident II
Carma Horwood, DVM, Small Animal Surgery Resident
Ming Lu, DVM, MVM, MS, MS, DACVS (Small Animal)
Fellow
Dr. Ming Lu, DVM, Small Animal Surgery Fellow
Laura Reynolds, DVM
Resident I
Laura Reynolds, DVM, Small Animal Surgery Resident
Siobhan Rickert, DVM
Resident I
Siobhan Rickert, DVM, Small Animal Surgery Resident
Jordan Wilson, DVM
Resident III
Jordan Wilson, DVM, Small Animal Surgery Resident
Staff (Hospital)
Highly skilled veterinary technicians and support staff are essential to the day-to-day operations and patient care.
Robert Collins, RVT
Small Animal Surgical Services/Anesthesia Manager
Robert Collins, RVT, Manager of Small Animal Surgical Services
Summer Condie, RVT
Surgery Supervisor
Summer Condie, RVT, Small Animal Surgery Supervisor
Alysha Lafrinire, RVT
Alysha Lafrinire, RVT, Member of the Small Animal Orthopedic Surgery Team
Jenn La Sance, RVT
Advanced Veterinary Surgery Center Supervisor
Jenn La Sance, RVT, Supervisor at the Advanced Veterinary Surgery Center
Marni McChesney, RVT
Marni McChesney, RVT, Member of the Small Animal Orthopedic Surgery Team
Abrina Wilder, RVT
Abrina Wilder, RVT, Member of the Small Animal Orthopedic Surgery Team
Finding an experienced and qualified animal orthopedic surgeon near me means looking for a team like this – one with board-certified specialists, veterinarians in advanced training, and skilled support staff, all working together to provide the best possible care for pets with orthopedic challenges. Facilities offering such comprehensive services represent the pinnacle of veterinary orthopedic care.
Conclusion
For pet owners concerned about their animal’s mobility and comfort due to bone or joint issues, finding a skilled animal orthopedic surgeon near me is a critical step. Specialized veterinary orthopedic services provide the expertise, advanced diagnostic capabilities, and state-of-the-art surgical techniques necessary to address a wide range of conditions. By choosing a service with experienced, board-certified surgeons and a dedicated support team, you ensure your pet receives the highest standard of care, tailored to their specific orthopedic needs. Don’t hesitate to consult with your primary veterinarian about a referral if you suspect your pet requires specialized orthopedic attention.
