Updated on Nov. 26, 2025
When an animal develops a medical issue that requires advanced care, surgery is sometimes necessary. When this is the case, an animal’s veterinarian will usually refer the pet to a veterinary surgeon. In this article, we examine the specialized field of veterinary surgery.
Understanding Veterinary Surgery
Veterinary surgery is an advanced area of animal health care that focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions requiring surgical intervention. Although many routine procedures are handled by general veterinarians, complex or high-risk surgeries are typically referred to a veterinary surgeon. Knowing how veterinary surgery works helps owners understand referral decisions and the collaborative nature of care.
What Are the Main Veterinary Specialties?
Veterinary medicine includes multiple specialties that allow veterinarians to focus on advanced areas of diagnosis and treatment. These specialties ensure that animals receive targeted, high-level care when conditions exceed the abilities of routine practice.
Common veterinary specialties include:
- Internal medicine
- Radiology
- Anesthesiology
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Emergency and critical care
- Dermatology
- Cardiology
- Oncology
- Sports medicine and rehabilitation
What Is Veterinary Surgery Certification?
Veterinary surgery certification is earned through the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, which approves veterinarians in small and large animal surgery. This certification demonstrates completion of required education, training, caseload, research, and examination standards. Only veterinarians who meet these criteria may present themselves as ACVS-certified surgeons.
Who Performs Surgical Procedures?
Routine procedures like soft tissue surgeries and basic orthopedics may be performed by general veterinarians. Complicated or high-risk surgeries, however, are typically managed by board-certified surgeons due to their advanced training and surgical experience.
The ACVS Certification Process
The ACVS maintains strict standards and undergoes formal evaluation every three years to ensure quality. Certification requires advanced training and verification that the surgeon is qualified to manage complex surgical cases.
What Advanced Training Do Veterinary Surgeons Complete?
Veterinary surgeons complete additional training after veterinary school to build proficiency in complex surgical procedures. This process ensures they can safely treat challenging cases and support general practitioners with advanced knowledge.
Required Postgraduate Training
Veterinary surgeons must complete:
- A minimum one-year internship
- A three-year ACVS approved residency
- Required caseload benchmarks
- Publication of a research study
- A comprehensive board examination
Referral Process for Veterinary Surgery
When an animal requires advanced surgery, the general veterinarian typically initiates a referral to a veterinary surgeon. This collaborative process helps maintain continuity of care and ensures that each patient receives treatment aligned with its condition.
What Happens After Referral?
- The general veterinarian sends medical records and diagnostic details to the surgeon.
- The surgeon evaluates the animal and performs the appropriate procedure.
- Both veterinarians coordinate on pre and post-operative care.
- Long-term care transitions back to the primary veterinarian once treatment is complete.
Why Are Veterinary Surgeons Important?
Veterinary surgeons manage the most complex surgical cases, provide consultations for difficult diagnoses, and support general practitioners with guidance on advanced treatment options. Their role is essential for animals needing specialized intervention that extends beyond routine practice capabilities.
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FAQs
Why do general veterinarians refer certain surgeries to specialists?
Referral ensures that complicated cases are handled by a surgeon with advanced training, improving outcomes and protecting the animal’s long term health.
How long does it take to become a veterinary surgeon?
Becoming a surgeon requires veterinary school plus at least four additional years of training, including an internship and a residency, followed by a board examination.
Do veterinary surgeons work with general practice veterinarians?
Yes, communication between the surgeon and the primary veterinarian ensures coordinated treatment before surgery, after surgery, and throughout recovery.