Following veterinary school, a veterinarian pursuing a specialty in surgery will undergo further training to become a specialist. They must complete an internship, a three-year residency, publish research in a scientific journal and pass a rigorous examination in order to become Board-Certified. Surgery specialists are called a “Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons” or referred to as a “Board-Certified Surgeon”.

With advancements in veterinary surgery, the American College of Veterinary Surgeons separated small and large animal residencies. Small animal surgery residents focus their training and skills exclusively on surgical diseases of small animals while large animal residents train on horses and farm animals. Small animal surgeons are distinguished by additional acronyms, SA, following their diplomacy status. At Veterinary Surgery Center of Sarasota, our surgeon Dr. Scott Rose is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, Small Animal.

In addition to a Board-Certified Surgeon’s specialized training, surgeons have access to state-of-the-art facilities, advanced equipment and offer a higher level of expertise in surgical diseases, helping to ensure the best possible outcome for your pet. Similar to human surgical centers, veterinary surgeons typically employ veterinary technicians with additional training in areas such as anesthesia monitoring and pre and post-operative surgical care. By seeing the most challenging and complex cases on a day to day basis, surgeons can provide pet owners with many options (some of which may not be available from your primary veterinarian) and help you determine the best treatment for your pet.

Seeing a specialist doesn’t mean you are not seeing your primary veterinarian anymore. Your primary veterinarian that you see regularly focuses on the day-to-day needs of your pet(s), and for some complex surgical cases, your vet may refer you to a surgeon. Board Certified Surgeons collaborate with your primary vet and work closely with you and your vet before and after surgery. This team approach ensures continuity of care for your pet.

Due to the high level of specialization, a surgeon relies on your primary veterinary practitioner for many aspects of the recovery and treatment. Following surgery and postoperative recovery, your primary veterinarian will resume ongoing care of your pet.

Additional information about veterinary specialties and the American Board of Veterinary Surgeons can be found at American College of Veterinary Surgeons, American Board of Veterinary Specialties or VetSpecialists.com.