Pet Owners
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Choose a Board Certified Veterinary Surgeon?
After graduating from veterinary school, veterinarians wishing to become surgical specialists undertake several additional years of advanced surgical training, including a minimum of a 1-year internship and a 3-year residency program accredited by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS). In addition to these requirements, applicants must perform and publish research in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. Following completing all of the above requirements, the applicant must successfully pass a series of board certification examinations to receive the designation of Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (DACVS). In North America, only then is a veterinarian permitted to use the title of “Board Certified Veterinary Surgeon”, “Surgical Specialist” or “Veterinary Surgeon”, as it signifies advanced knowledge and training in complex surgical issues and procedures. At ROVRS, our Board-Certified Veterinary Surgeon, Dr. Tamara MacDonald, is pleased to offer advanced procedures to treat pets from across Canada and the USA.
How do I make an appointment, or get a referral?
After an initial appointment with your family veterinarian to determine if your pet would benefit from seeing our orthopedic surgeon, please have your family veterinarian submit a referral form and provide us with your pet’s medical history, radiographs (X-ray’s), recent blood work, and any other information needed to help your pet.
If your pet does not have recent blood work and radiographs of the affected area, we may ask that these be updated before your initial consultation with us. Our goal is to make your first meeting with our surgeon as informative and accurate as possible, so that we can address your pet’s current issue and plan for treatment as soon as possible to get them on their way to healing.
What happens after my family veterinarian submits a referral?
Once we have received the referral along with your pet’s medical information, our team will review the information and contact you by the next business day (Mon-Fri) to schedule a consultation with our surgeon, Dr. MacDonald.
What can I expect during our first appointent?
Once you check in with our receptionist, you will be greeted by a ROVRS Surgery Team member who will bring you and your pet to an exam room. Your pet will be weighed on the way to the exam room, or once inside the exam room (for small patients).
Our team member will obtain a health history of your pet and obtain vital signs (heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, etc). They will then leave the room and present this information to the surgeon.
Our surgeon, Dr. MacDonald, will then perform a thorough physical and orthopedic examination of your pet. Your pet’s diagnosis, treatment options and/or any further diagnostic testing, if necessary, will be discussed with you. A detailed estimate for further diagnostics and/or treatment will be provided at that time.
We will do our best to help you make decisions regarding your pet’s treatment, and schedule any diagnostics or treatments that you decide to pursue.
Following your consultation, a written summary of your pet’s visit and examination findings, along with any diagnostic and treatment recommendations, will be emailed to you and your family veterinarian.
What is the cost of surgery?
The ROVRS Surgery team member that contacts you can provide a general estimate range for the surgical treatment anticipated for your pet. However, please note that a consultation and examination by our surgeon is necessary in order to provide a detailed, accurate cost estimate specific to your pet.
Does my pet have to stay in hospital overnight?
If your pet requires surgery, they may require hospitalization overnight. With the skilled and caring 24hr team at Fish Creek Pet Hospital, we will ensure that your pet is supervised, comfortable and that all of their post-operative needs are met.
Patients requiring only a sedated procedure or minor surgery will often go home later that same day.
Will my family Veterinarian be updated?
Yes. We will provide written reports including diagnostic results and treatment plans to both you and your family veterinarian following each consultation, procedure and recheck examination. These are usually sent via email.
Why should I choose a Board Certified Veterinary Surgeon?
The title “ACVS Diplomate” refers to a veterinarian who is board certified in veterinary surgery. Board certified surgeons commonly have 4-8 years of additional training after veterinary school including a 3-year surgery residency. Residencies provide specific specialized surgery training not available as part of a typical veterinary education. This process is strictly supervised by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS), ensuring consistency in training and adherence to high standards. Once the program has been completed, the resident must sit for and pass a rigorous examination. Only then does the veterinarian earn the title of ACVS Diplomate and can be considered a specialist in veterinary surgery.
Innovation
Diplomates are on the forefront of surgical disease research. We are the pioneers of the finest surgical techniques and are responsible for the advancement of veterinary surgery.
Proficiency
Diplomates perform more surgeries than any other group. A highly focused caseload means we have an unequaled understanding of veterinary surgery and perform it with exceptional skill.
Expertise
Diplomates are the experts in veterinary surgery. We have advanced surgical expertise founded on a strong knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology and clinical medicine. We are the teachers of students and veterinarians alike. Any veterinarian who performs surgery has benefited from a Diplomate’s expertise.
Education
Diplomates learn state-of-the-art surgical techniques. We continually expand our knowledge and skill base through intensive continuing education.