We have boarded veterinary surgeons on our team, available by appointment for surgical consultations.
Dr. Mike Conzemius, DVM, PHD, DACVS
What is a Board Certified Veterinary Surgeon?
A board-certified veterinary surgeon is a veterinarian who has undergone advanced training and certification in surgical procedures beyond the standard veterinary degree. To achieve this certification, they must:
- Complete Veterinary School – Earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) degree.
- Gain Clinical Experience – Work in general practice or complete an internship.
- Complete a Surgical Residency – A rigorous 3- to 4-year training program focused on advanced surgical techniques.
- Pass the Board Certification Exam – Administered by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) or an equivalent certifying body.
Board-certified veterinary surgeons specialize in complex procedures, including orthopedic, soft tissue, and neurologic surgeries. They often work in specialty hospitals, universities, or referral centers, collaborating with other veterinary specialists to provide the highest level of surgical care.
What is Specialty Surgery?
- Orthopedic Surgery – Repairing fractures, ligament injuries (e.g., ACL tears), and joint conditions like hip dysplasia.
- Soft Tissue Surgery – Procedures involving internal organs, skin, tumors, and reconstructive surgery.
- Neurological Surgery – Treating spinal injuries and nerve disorders.
- Minimally Invasive Surgery – Using laparoscopic or arthroscopic techniques for faster recovery
Veterinary specialty surgeons work in referral hospitals, specialty clinics, and universities, collaborating with other specialists to provide the highest level of surgical care for pets and animals.
Our surgery consultations are $188.00, and this fee will be applied toward the surgery if you choose to proceed. Surgery costs vary depending on the complexity of the procedure, so please call us for an estimate.
What to expect the day of your pet’s surgical consultation
Our Specialty Surgery consultations are Monday-Thursday from 7:30am-9:45am.
Please make sure your pet does NOT have any food or water after 10:00pm the night before and no breakfast the morning of their consultation in case a procedure is scheduled for that day. A small amount of water the morning of the procedure is okay.
Medications on the day of your pet’s procedure are to be given as prescribed unless otherwise advised by the Veterinarian. If medications are to be given, you may do so with a small treat. Please also bring these medications with you in case they are required or your pet is with us overnight.
At GQ, we follow a thoughtful step-by-step process to ensure the best care for our Specialty Surgery patients. Here’s what you can expect on the day of your pet’s consultation:
- Check-In: Our Specialty Surgery Technician will greet you and your pet in the lobby before getting you comfortable in an exam room. The Technician will take a detailed medical history to better understand your pet’s health. Your pet will then be brought to our treatment area for a quick check of their vitals, including weight, temperature, heart rate, and respiration rate.
- Exam & Treatment Plan: Dr. Conzemius will perform a thorough nose-to-tail examination of your pet. He will then review his findings and discuss your pet’s medical history with you. Dr. Conzemius will answer any questions you have and go over recommended treatment options
with care and compassion. If additional diagnostics or treatments are needed, we’ll provide a detailed estimate beforehand, ensuring you feel informed and comfortable. In some cases, we can perform these the same day, so your pet gets the care they need as soon as possible. - Medical Records & Follow-Up: Once the consultation is complete, Dr. Conzemius will finalize your pet’s medical records and email them to you and your primary veterinarian.
What to expect the day of your pet’s surgical procedure
We ask for all patients to be dropped off at 7:00am.
Please make sure your pet does NOT have any food or water after 10:00pm the night before and no breakfast the morning of their procedure. A small amount of water the morning of the procedure is okay.
Medications on the day of your pet’s procedure are to be given as prescribed unless otherwise advised by the Veterinarian. If medications are to be given, you may do so with a small treat. Please also bring these medications with you in case they are required or your pet is with us overnight.
At GQ, we follow a thoughtful step-by-step process to ensure the best care for our Specialty Surgery patients. Here’s what you can expect on the day of your pet’s procedure:
- Check-in: One of our Specialty Technicians will welcome you and your pet into a exam room to review their medical history. During this time, we’ll also go over an itemized estimate for the procedure and take payment. Dr. Conzemius will be available to answer any questions or concerns you may have before we begin.
- Vitals & Comfort: Once everything is set, we’ll bring your pet to our treatment area to check their vitals, including weight, temperature, heart rate, and respiration rate. Afterward, we’ll make sure they’re comfortable with a cozy blanket while they wait for their procedure.
- Procedure Updates: When we begin your pet’s procedure, we’ll send you a text message to keep you informed. You’ll receive another update as soon as your pet is in recovery.
- Post-Procedure Call & Pick up: Once your pet has fully recovered, Dr. Conzemius or one of our surgery technicians will give you a call to update you on how everything went and to arrange a convenient pick-up time. When you arrive, we’ll bring you into a room to go over the discharge instructions and answer any questions you may have, ensuring you feel confident and supported as you take your pet home.
- Follow-up care: The day after the procedure, we’ll send you a text message to check in and make sure your pet is doing well.
Types of Specialty Veterinary Surgeries
Here are examples of some specialty surgeries offered at GQ. If you do not see what you are looking for, give us a call!
- Arthroscopic surgery for joint diseases
- Angular Limb Deformities
- Hip Dysplasia Surgery – Total Hip Replacement, Triple Pelvic Osteotomy, Femoral Head
- and Neck Excision
- Vertebral Fracture Repair
- Congenital Deformities
- Intervertebral Disc Surgery – Hemilaminectomy, Ventral Slot Procedure
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament – ACL Repair for Dogs
- Cranial Cruciate Ligament Repair: Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy – TPLO
- Perineal Urethrostomy – PU
- Medial Luxating Patella – MPL
- Complicated Fracture Repair
- Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome – BAS Corrective Surgery
- Anal Sacculectomy
- Enucleation
- Vulvoplasty
- Laryngeal Tie Back Procedure
- Amputation and Limb Sparing
- Total Ear Canal Ablation
- Abdominal Exploratory Surgery
- Cholecystectomy
- Liver Lobectomy
- Diaphragmatic Hernia
- Subtotal Colectomy
- Mastectomy
- Mandibulectomy
- Hemipelvectomy
- Pericardiectomy
- Anal Sacculectomy
- Enucleation
- Vulvoplasty
- Laryngeal Tie Back Procedure
- Amputation and Limb Sparing
- Total Ear Canal Ablation
- Abdominal Exploratory Surgery
- Cholecystectomy
- Liver Lobectomy
- Diaphragmatic Hernia
- Subtotal Colectomy
- Mastectomy
- Mandibulectomy
- Hemipelvectomy
- Pericardiectomy
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.
