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What Is A Veterinary Surgeon?

Animals need specialists just like humans. When your pet develops a medical issue or injury that requires advanced treatments and procedures, you may be sent by your primary care or emergency veterinarian to a veterinary surgeon who can help your pet.

Veterinarians can choose from a wide variety of specialties such as surgery, radiology, anesthesiology, and cardiology. Specialties are recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association’s American Board of Veterinary Specialties (ABVS) and each specialty has its own requirements of continued training beyond veterinary school.

The American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) is the veterinary specialty organization that certifies veterinarians in large and small animal surgery.

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A veterinarian will complete four years of undergraduate and four years of veterinary school. A veterinary surgeon will continue on in advanced training beyond veterinary school to complete a 1-year internship followed by a 3-year surgical residency program. During a residency program a veterinarian will need to complete specific training and case requirements must be met. Applicants must also perform research and have their research published in a peer reviewed journal and pass a challenging examination.

Once the applicant has completed all the requirements and passed the examination, they receive the title “Diplomate of the College of Veterinary Surgeons (DACVS)” or are referred to as a “Board certified surgeon”.

Specialty Surgery Services

At Riversbend Animal Hospital, you can trust that your pets are in great hands. Our compassionate, skillful veterinary team is here to help when you need us most.

Orthopedic Surgery

Soft Tissue Surgery

ACL/ Knee Surgery

Find a space that suits you and your work.

Preparing Your Pet For Surgery

Once you have had an appointment with our surgeon, a diagnosis and treatment plan will be discussed with you. You will be provided with an estimate for all treatments and surgical procedures that may be recommended. Pain management and post operative care will be discussed.

The majority of our surgical procedures are performed on an outpatient basis which means your pet will not stay the night with us unless absolutely necessary. Most patients are more comfortable being at home following surgery, but this will be determined on your animal’s specific condition and recovery. Surgical procedure(s) accommodations will be made if overnight care is necessary for your pet’s healing process.

All pertinent medical history should be sent to our office prior to your appointment. When your veterinarian submits their referral, all records are requested at that time. This will allow us to appropriately assess your animal and provide you with an accurate diagnosis.

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