Know the difference
When your pet needs surgery, you want to ensure they receive the highest level of care. While all veterinarians may perform surgical procedures, they are not surgeons.
A board-certified veterinary surgeon undergoes years of additional specialized training beyond veterinary school, including: a one-year internship and three-year residency focused on surgery. Extensive hands-on experience in orthopedic, neurologic, and soft tissue surgery. Specialty training in anesthesia, radiology, internal medicine, and critical care. Rigorous certification exams and scientific research to uphold the highest standards of veterinary surgery.
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Verify Your Pet’s Surgeon
To ensure your pet is in expert hands, look for a surgeon with the credentials DACVS or DACVS-SA after their name. These letters indicate that the veterinarian has met the rigorous standards set by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) and is recognized as a board-certified specialist in small animal surgery.
You can verify a surgeon’s credentials by using the ACVS online directory, which lists all board-certified veterinary surgeons. Checking this resource helps confirm that your pet’s surgeon has the training and expertise required for specialized procedures.
Meet Dr. Colby Burns – Your Pet’s Surgical Specialist
Dr. Colby Burns is a highly experienced, double-board-certified veterinary surgeon dedicated to providing advanced surgical care for pets in the Tampa Bay area.
A Florida native, Dr. Burns earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the University of Florida before completing an intensive one-year rotating internship at Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine. She then pursued a three-year surgical residency at The Ohio State University, gaining extensive hands-on experience in orthopedic and soft tissue surgery.
Since 2013, Dr. Burns has provided mobile surgical services to veterinary clinics across Tampa, ensuring that pets receive expert care without the stress of traveling to a specialty hospital. She is one of only two active double-board-certified specialists in small animal surgery (DACVS-SA) and canine sports medicine & rehabilitation (DACVSMR) in Florida.
Dr. Burns specializes in:
She is also the only board-certified mobile surgeon in the Tampa area, performing these advanced procedures within your veterinarian’s clinic, so your pet receives care in a familiar and comfortable environment.
A Passion for Pets & Their Families
Beyond her work as a surgeon, Dr. Burns is a dedicated mother to two wonderful daughters and a proud pet parent to dogs, cats, guinea pigs, a hamster, and even chickens! She understands firsthand the deep bond between pets and their families, which is why she’s committed to providing compassionate, expert care that helps pets heal and thrive.
Preparing for Your Pet’s Surgery
If your pet is scheduled for a procedure with Dr. Burns, please fill out the online surgical form ahead of time to ensure a smooth process. Also, make sure we have your most up-to-date contact information for the day of surgery.
Your pet’s health and comfort are our top priorities, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. If you have any questions about your pet’s upcoming surgery, don’t hesitate to ask your veterinarian or reach out to our team!