If your pet needs surgery, you want to be sure they are getting the best care for their situation. While your family veterinarian can handle many surgeries, but in some scenarios, they will refer you to a board-certified surgeon who can provide advanced, specialized care for your pet.
A board-certified veterinary surgeon is similar to a doctor who specializes in surgery for people. They have gone through extra education and training just for surgery. These surgeons work with pet owners and family veterinarians to review complex cases, discuss treatment options, and create a surgical plan tailored to each pet.
What Does “Board-Certified Veterinary Surgeon” Mean?
A board-certified veterinary surgeon is a veterinarian who has finished advanced surgical training and met the standards set by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.
According to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, the pathway to board certification includes:
- Graduating from veterinary school
- Completing at least a one-year internship
- Completing a minimum three-year surgical residency that meets ACVS standards
- Conducting research that is published in a scientific journal
- Passing rigorous board-certification examinations
After meeting all these requirements, the veterinarian becomes a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and can add DACVS after their name.
Some veterinary surgeons have an extra title that shows if they focus on large or small animals. For example, DACVS-SA means the surgeon specializes in small animal surgery.
How Is a Board-Certified Surgeon Different From a Family Veterinarian?
Your family veterinarian is key to your pet’s health. They handle regular checkups, preventive care, tests, treatments for sickness or injury, and many common surgeries.
A board-certified veterinary surgeon focuses only on surgery. Their extra training gives them extensive experience in surgical diagnosis, advanced procedures, pre- and post-operative care, and managing complex cases.
If your pet needs special care, your family veterinarian might suggest seeing a board-certified surgeon. This doesn’t mean your vet will not sill care for your pet. Instead, they are adding another collaborative partner to your pet’s healthcare team.
When Might a Pet Be Referred to a Veterinary Surgeon?
Every pet and surgery is unique. A veterinarian might suggest seeing a surgical specialist if your pet needs a complex procedure, special equipment, or more evaluation for a difficult condition.
Conditions that may benefit from consultation with a board-certified veterinary surgeon include:
- Cranial cruciate ligament injuries requiring procedures such as TPLO
- Luxating patellas
- Complicated bone fractures
- Hip conditions that may require femoral head ostectomy
- Osteochondritis dissecans
- Certain tumors or masses
- Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome
- Laryngeal paralysis
- Severe ear disease requiring total ear canal ablation
- Urinary obstructions or conditions requiring specialized soft-tissue surgery
A surgical consultation doesn’t always mean surgery is the only option. The surgeon will review your pet’s condition and test results, then review the options with you.
What Are the Benefits of Specialized Surgical Care?
Advanced surgical training
Board-certified surgeons spend years training in veterinary surgery after finishing veterinary school. They gain experience with orthopedic, soft-tissue, and emergency surgeries, as well as making surgical decisions and complication management.
Experience with complex conditions
Because their work focuses on surgery, veterinary surgeons often evaluate conditions that require advanced or technically complex procedures. This experience helps them develop a surgical plan based on the individual patient, diagnosis and desired outcome.
Specialized surgical equipment
Specialty surgical centers often have equipment made for advanced procedures. At Boreal Animal Surgery, our surgical suite has advanced anesthesia and monitoring tools, special Arthrex® instruments, and a dedicated recovery area for patients.
Individualized surgical planning
No single plan works for every pet. Surgeons look at things like your pet’s diagnosis, age, size, anatomy, activity level, health, and home life before making a recommendation.
Focused postoperative care
Care doesn’t stop after surgery. A good recovery plan might include pain control, limiting activity, watching the incision, rehab advice, and follow-up visits. Clear instructions help families know what to expect and how to help their pet at home.
A Collaborative Approach to Your Pet’s Care
Specialty surgery is most effective when pet owners, family veterinarians, and veterinary surgeons work together.
Your family veterinarian knows your pet’s medical history and stays involved in decisions. The surgical team provides a specialized assessment, performs surgery if needed, and shares important updates and recovery advice with your veterinarian.
After surgery and any follow-up, your family veterinarian continues to care for your pet’s regular and long-term needs. This team approach helps make sure your pet gets consistent care before, during, and after surgery.
Meet Boreal’s Board-Certified Veterinary Surgeon
Boreal Animal Surgery was founded by Duane Robinson, DVM, PhD, DACVS-SA, a board-certified small animal veterinary surgeon.
Dr. Robinson started Boreal to give families and veterinarians access to advanced surgical care in a setting that feels personal, collaborative, and welcoming. Every patient gets a custom surgical plan, close monitoring, and recovery advice that fits their needs.
Located in Renton, Washington, Boreal provides orthopedic and soft-tissue surgical consultations for dogs and cats from Renton, Seattle and surrounding communities.
Does Your Pet Need a Surgical Consultation?
If your veterinarian has recommended surgery, a consultation with a board-certified veterinary surgeon can help you better understand your pet’s diagnosis, treatment options and expected recovery.
Boreal Animal Surgery works closely with pet owners and family veterinarians to provide thoughtful, specialized surgical care for dogs and cats.
You can request a surgical consultation with Boreal Animal Surgery or talk to your family veterinarian to see if a referral is right for your pet.