SURGERY
The Michigan Veterinary Specialists team of surgeons, technicians
and assistants are dedicated to helping when you and your pet
are in need of the skilled hands of an experienced, knowledgeable
surgeon.
No longer rare, surgeons are an integral part of the veterinary
medical community routinely advising and consulting with family
veterinarians. Everyday, the Michigan Veterinary Specialists team
of surgeons utilizes their knowledge and experience to change
the lives of families and their pets. Thanks to advancements in
technology and the cumulative experience of our surgeons, surgeries
such as TPLO, hip replacements, kidney transplantation in cats,
reconstruction of wounds and the alleviation of urinary dysfunction
are routine procedures.
The Michigan Veterinary Specialists team is also highly experienced
in monitoring the comfort level of your pet and ensuring the most
pain-free experience possible. When you choose Michigan Veterinary
Specialists, you are selecting the very best specialty care hospital
in the area. Our team of specialists, doctors and technicians
routinely collaborate with each other and your referring veterinarian,
to ensure that your pet receives the most compassionate, comprehensive
care possible.
SURGERY SERVICES
- Diagnostic x-rays
- fluoroscopy (real-time x-rays)
- myelograms
- CT scans
- PennHipp x-rays
- joint taps
- arthroscopy (scoping of joints).
- Neurosurgery: Spinal surgery (disc problems), brain surgery, biopsies and other procedures.
- Arthroscopy: Joint problem diagnosis and treatment and other procedures.
- Oncologic surgery: limb sparing procedures, biopsies, tumor removal or reduction and other procedures.
- Orthopedics: Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) for cruciate rupture, total hip replacement, fracture repair, triple pelvic osteotomy, circular fixation and other procedures
- Soft tissue surgery: Liver and gall bladder surgery, portosystemic shunts, bowel resections, urinary surgery, spleen removal and other procedures.
- Microsurgery: Kidney transplantation in cats, microvascular free tissue transfer, replantation of limbs and other procedures.
- Plastic surgery: Wound reconstruction, scar revision, anti-drool surgery, skin surgery (nasal, forehead and vulvar folds) and other procedures.
- Respiratory surgery: Laryngeal surgery, tracheal surgery, Bull dog respiratory surgery, chest surgery, lung lobe removal, chest wall resections for tumors and other procedures.
- Cardiac surgery: Heart surgery for congenital defects, pacemaker placement, and other procedures.
CLIENT EDUCATION ARTICLES
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SURGEONS
Dr. Amanda Conkling |
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- Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons
(Board Certified in Surgery)
- Rutgers State University, B.A.
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree: Iowa State University
- Internships: Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital , OH
- Residency: Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital , OH
- Special Interests: Soft tissue surgery, oncologic surgery and reconstructive procedures
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Throughout her undergraduate years in NJ, Dr. Conkling’s intent was to work with animals via a Ph.D in behavioral primatology. That changed when she worked with a veterinary surgeon and fell in love with surgery (although she still has a soft spot for primates). Dr. Conkling enjoys the spontaneity of being a surgeon – every day varies depending on the individual patient and client. When not in the operating room, Dr. Conkling spends time with her husband and four young children. They share their Ada home with a wimpy hound mix named Murphy; Noel, a 14-year-old diva of a cat; and a pesky new kitten named Mudge. |
Dr. Kyle K. Kerstetter |
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- Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons
(Board Certified in Surgery)
- Ashland University, B.S.
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree (DVM): Ohio State
University
- Internship: Michigan State University
- Residency: Small Animal Surgery, The University of Tennessee
- Areas of Interest: Fracture healing and repair, joint
surgery, hip and elbow replacement, knee injuries and
TPLO, sports medicine and surgery, gastrointestinal surgery,
and neurosurgery
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With a suggestion from a high
school biology teacher and an avid curiosity in the workings
of biological systems, it seems only natural that Dr. Kerstetter
became a veterinary surgeon. Born and raised in Ohio, Dr.
Kerstetter now shares his Michigan home with his wife,
three children, two dogs--Remington and Benelli—and
two cats named Mardi Gras and Lagniappe. He enjoys retriever
training, hunting and writing in his spare time. |
Dr. Karyn Maxworthy |
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- Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (Board Certified in Surgery)
- University of Michigan, BS
- Washington State University, MS
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM): Michigan State University
- Internship: Rotating Internship, University of Pennsylvania; Surgical Internship, Dallas Veterinary Surgical Center
- Residency: Washington State University
- Special Interests: Soft tissue surgery including oncologic, hepatobiliary and endocrine surgery, and orthopedic surgery
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Born and raised in the Ann Arbor area, Dr. Maxworthy’s pursuit of veterinary education and experience has taken her to multiple states with her cat, Magpie, by her side. A love of marine mammals is what initially drew Dr. Maxworthy to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. In school she decided to change her focus to small animals, and immensely enjoying her surgery rotations, decided to specialize in surgery as well. While she loves to travel as a hobby, she’s happy to be settled in Michigan and close to family again. In her free time, she can be found spending time with her husband and two sons, playing team volleyball, or planning her next trip abroad. |
Dr. Kevin McAbee |
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- Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (Board Certified in Surgery)
- Cal-Poly State University, BS
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM): Colorado State University
- Internship: VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital, Rotating Medicine & Surgery; Affiliated Veterinary Specialists, Surgical
- Residency: The Animal Medical Center
- Special Interests: Minimally invasive surgery
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Dr. McAbee joined us after working several years as a small animal surgeon and, most recently, as the director of surgery at VCA Alameda East Veterinary Hospital in Denver. He specializes in minimally invasive orthopedic surgery such as arthroscopically assisted tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO). In his spare time, Dr. McAbee enjoys surfing, snowboarding, road biking, running and spending time with his family which includes his wife Carley, his two sons, Oslo and Junot, and two cats Herbert and Penelope. |
Dr. Lindsay Phillips |
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- Bachelor of Science, Michigan State University
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University
- Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner, University of Tennessee
- Small Animal General Practitioner, Northview Animal Hospital, PA
- Internship, Small Animal Rotating, Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital, CO
- Internship, Small Animal Surgery, Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists, TX
- Special Interests: Minimally invasive techniques, soft tissue surgery and physical rehabilitation
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After several years of being in general veterinary practice, Dr. Lindsay Phillips decided she wanted to pursue a specialty in veterinary surgery. She completed a surgical internship and is now gaining additional advanced training in veterinary surgery through her residency at Michigan Veterinary Specialists. In her free time, Dr. Phillips tries to convince Lily, her 100-lb. great Dane, that she is not a lap dog. When not cuddling on the couch with Lily, Dr. Phillips is breaking a sweat with a long-distance run, skiing slopes or exploring oceanic flora and fauna while scuba diving. |
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