Veterinary Surgeons receive advanced training to diagnose and treat a multitude of conditions that can be complex and rare.  Surgeons can intervene when problems exist in many body systems, the goal being removal of the offending cause.    Body systems include endocrine, gastrointestinal, hemolymphatic, respiratory, dermatologic, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, urinary, reproductive, and specialized areas such as the ears.

Veterinary Surgeons undergo advanced training (1 year internship and 3 year residency) prior to becoming board certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgery.  They may also pursue advanced training in certain areas including minimally invasive surgery.

Your pet may benefit from a referral to a surgeon for the following conditions

  • Traumatic injury
  • Vomiting (foreign body, torsion, mass)
  • Difficulty breathing (airway or thoracic conditions)
  • Congenital cardiac or vascular anomalies
  • Urinary difficulty or obstruction
  • Mass removal (internal or external)

When should you request a referral to a Board Certified Veterinary Surgeon?

Your pet has a tumor that may require surgery and possible follow up with an oncologist.

Your pet has a condition that would benefit from someone with specialized training and instrumentation for a complex operation in a specialty clinic.

You would like an informed, neutral second opinion prior to having a surgery performed.