If your primary veterinarian can not perform certain surgeries within their office, they might refer you to a board-certified veterinary surgeon.
If your pet needs surgery, the preparation, stress, and uncertainty of the procedure can be a lot to handle. You want to make sure your dog or cat is in good hands. Choosing a board-certified surgeon means the veterinarian is specialized in their field and has completed advanced training that not all veterinarians choose to complete. If your primary veterinarian can not perform certain surgeries within their office, they might refer you to a board-certified veterinary surgeon. Keep reading for more benefits of choosing a board-certified veterinary surgeon.
What is Board Certification?
Like medical doctors specializing in specific fields of human medicine, a veterinary specialist is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine that has finished additional education and training in a particular field of veterinary medicine. Becoming a board-certified veterinary surgeon requires extensive study in the specialized field and an examination to evaluate their knowledge and skills in the chosen area. The American College of Veterinary Surgery oversees this process, ensuring that all certified veterinary surgeons are of the highest caliber. Some vets even decide to become specialized in more than one field.
When Should You Consider a Board-Certified Surgeon?
Any veterinarian can perform surgery as part of their veterinary practice. However, if a surgery is not “routine,” you should consider a board-certified surgeon. Your pet will need a board-certified veterinary surgeon when they require tests, treatments, or surgeries that are beyond the capabilities of your primary vet. A specialist vet will work closely with you, your primary care vet, and other veterinary specialists to make sure your dog or cat receives the best care possible.
Understanding Your Options
There are many procedures where a board-certified veterinary surgeon might be a better option. Any time your pet needs invasive surgery, talk to your veterinarian about the best options available and whether your veterinarian is qualified and trained or if you should speak to a board-certified veterinary surgeon. This extra specialized training and technology may give your pet the best chance for a healthy recovery. Some advanced procedures board-certified vets are qualified to perform include:
- Fracture Repair
- Total Hip Replacement (THR)
- Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO)
- Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) Surgery
- Patellar Luxation
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Amputation
- Upper airway surgery
- Urogenital reconstruction
Trust Maryland Veterinary Surgical Services With Your Companion’s Health
Your companion’s health is important, and the team at MVSS is ready to provide the best care possible for your furry family. We are dedicated to combining comprehensive exams and assessments with informative and honest discussions of your companion’s care. Once we have worked with you to decide on the best course of action for your dog, our professionals will use their surgical expertise to work towards the goal of giving your companion an active and pain-free life. We are proud to serve loyal companions in Catonsville and Baltimore. To learn more about our services, give us a call at 410-788-4088 or visit us online. For more information and tips for pet health, follow us on Facebook and Pinterest.