ACVS board-certified small animal surgery Referral resources for owners and veterinary teams
Dr. Chris Wood, DVM (Dist), DACVS-SA, board-certified small animal surgeon
Dr. Chris Wood in surgical cap and white coat

About Dr. Chris Wood

Chris Wood, BSc, DVM (Dist), MS, DACVS-SA

Dr. Chris Wood is an ACVS board-certified small animal veterinary surgeon at Alta Vista Specialty & Emergency Veterinary Centre in Ottawa. His professional interests include orthopedic disorders of the hip and stifle, including hip dysplasia, canine cruciate ligament disease and TPLO, and patellar luxation.

Board certification

What DACVS-SA means

DACVS-SA means Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, Small Animal.

It identifies a veterinarian who completed additional specialist training after veterinary school, including an internship, a three-year ACVS-approved surgical residency, research and publication requirements, credential review, and specialist examinations.

Dr Wood's board certification is in small animal surgery. His work with hip and stifle disorders is a particular professional interest within that broader specialty.

Background

Path to specialist surgery

Dr Wood was born in London, England, and moved to Sydney, Australia, in 2009. He graduated from the University of Melbourne before completing advanced surgical training in Australia, Canada, and the United States.

Undergraduate degree Bachelor of Science in Physiology.
Veterinary school
  • Graduated with Distinction from the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program at the University of Melbourne.
  • Ranked fifth in a class of 115.
  • Dean's Honours List recognition in each year of the degree.
  • Australian Small Animal Veterinary Association Award for Clinical Proficiency: one of only five recipients across Australia.
Rotating internship One-year small animal rotating internship at Southpaws Specialty Surgery for Animals in Melbourne.
Surgical internship Extended 19-month specialty surgical internship at Alta Vista in Ottawa.
Surgical residency Three-year ACVS-approved small animal surgical residency at Colorado State University and Master of Clinical Science.
Additional surgical training Further training during residency included advanced techniques in small animal fracture management, thoracoscopy, and advanced small animal laparoscopy.
Board certification Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons (Small Animal).
Clinical focus

Surgical practice and professional interests

Dr Wood's referral practice includes orthopedic, soft tissue, emergency, and oncologic surgery for dogs and cats. His particular professional interests include orthopedic disorders of the hip and stifle, skin and reconstructive surgery, and surgical oncology.

Hip and stifle orthopedics Hip dysplasia, canine cruciate ligament disease and TPLO, patellar luxation, hip luxation, limb alignment, fracture repair, and related mobility disorders. Dr Wood is PennHIP certified and uses virtual planning for selected orthopedic procedures. PennHIP certification requires method-specific training, an examination, and successful certification exercises demonstrating proficiency. Explore orthopedic referral care in Ottawa.
Skin, soft tissue, reconstruction, and surgical oncology Skin and wound reconstruction, tumour removal and reconstructive planning, lymph node procedures, airway surgery, urinary and abdominal procedures, perineal hernia surgery, splenectomy, liver surgery, thoracoscopy, laparoscopy, emergency soft tissue surgery, and consideration of surgical margins and staging.
Owner experiences

How owners describe their experience of care

Owners describe confidence in the surgical care, clear guidance through uncertainty, and compassionate support for both the patient and family. Each experience is individual.

Surgical expertise & results

Anonymous owner: Thank you so much for the wonderful care and surgical skill, and for getting the pathology results to us so quickly. The news is amazing and such a relief to our whole family.

Clear guidance & reassurance

Anonymous owner: Thank you so much for all the reassurance and guidance you have given us since surgery.

Compassionate, personal care

Anonymous owner: Thank you so much for taking such wonderful care of my cat. Your kindness, compassion, and dedication truly mean the world to us. I'll be forever grateful for everything you've done.

Research and verification

Professional profiles and selected publications

Independent professional profiles support Dr Wood's credentials and hospital affiliation. His peer-reviewed publications include work in veterinary surgery, reconstructive surgery, and surgical oncology.

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