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  • Advance your knowledge

    As an ABVP Specialist, you are a continual learner. This 52-week course is right up your alley.

  • Improve outcomes

    Enhancing your orthopedic knowledge improves outcomes for your patients.

  • How to apply

    Visit https://abvp.com/diplomates/fellowships/ for application details

Course curriculum

    1. Introduction (Cardosa)

    2. Writing an ABVP Case Summary

    1. Canine/Feline Orthopedic Exam - Part 1 (McGee)

    2. Canine/Feline Orthopedic Exam - Part 1 Quiz

    3. Canine/Feline Orthopedic Exam - Part 2 (McGee)

    4. Canine/Feline Orthopedic Exam - Part 2 Quiz

    5. Neurologic Exam (Dutton)

    6. Neurologic Exam Quiz

    1. Bone Development Intramembraneous ossification (Cardosa)

    2. Bone Development Intramembraneous ossification Quiz

    3. Bone Metabolism (Cardosa)

    4. Bone metabolism Quiz

    5. Bone Function as Tissue and Organ (Cardosa)

    6. Bone Function as Tissue and Organ Quiz

    7. Bone Microscopic Anatomy (Cardosa)

    8. Bone Microscopic Anatomy Quiz

    9. Bone Biomechanics (Cardosa)

    10. Biomechanics Quiz

    11. Bone Endochondral Ossification (Cardosa)

    12. Bone Endochondral Ossification quiz

    13. Arthrology Overview (Cavanaugh)

    14. Arthrology Overview Quiz

    15. Arthrology Part 1 Development (Cardosa)

    16. Arthrology Part 1 Development Quiz

    17. Arthrology Part 2 developmental disease (Cardosa)

    18. Arthrology Part 2 developmental disease quiz

    19. Arthrology Part 3 Inflammatory Joint Disease (Cardosa)

    20. Arthrology Part 3 Inflammatory Joint Disease Quiz

    1. Arthrocentesis, Synovial Fluid analysis & Imaging of the Skeletal system (Kishore)

    2. Arthrocentesis, Synovial Fluid analysis & Imaging of the Skeletal system quiz

    1. Common Concepts in Veterinary Medicine (Dutton)

    2. Common concepts Lesson quiz

    3. Feline Specific Pain management (Cousins)

    4. Feline specific pain mgt Lesson quiz

    5. Opioids (Dutton)

    6. Opioids Lesson quiz

    7. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (Dutton)

    8. NSAID Lesson quiz

    9. α-2 Adrenoceptor agonists (Dutton)

    10. α-2 Adrenoceptor agonists Lesson quiz

    11. NMDA antagonist (Dutton)

    12. NMDA antagonist Lesson quiz

    13. Corticosteroids (Dutton)

    14. Corticosteroids Lesson quiz

    15. Adjunct such as gabapentenoids, SSNRI, TCA, tramadol, cannabinoids, APAP, more; parenterally: systemic lidocaine, maropitant, bisphosphonates, anti-NGF MAbs; intra-articular: biologics like stem cell, PRP, others; Tn-117, RTX, IL-10, etc. Part 1 (Epstein)

    16. Other pain meds 1 Quiz

    17. Adjunct such as gabapentenoids, SSNRI, TCA, tramadol, cannabinoids, APAP, more; parenterally: systemic lidocaine, maropitant, bisphosphonates, anti-NGF MAbs; intra-articular: biologics like stem cell, PRP, others; Tn-117, RTX, IL-10, etc. Part 2 (Epstein)

    18. Other pain meds 2 Quiz

    19. Opioid free analgesia (multimodal approach) (Dutton)

    20. Opioid free analgesia (multimodal approach) Lesson quiz

    1. Principles of Orthopedic Surgery (Cardosa)

    2. Principles of Orthopedic Surgery Quiz

    3. Overview of Fracture Repair Techniques (Johnson)

    4. Overview of Fracture Repair Techniques quiz

    5. Surgical principles (Ng)

    6. Surgical principles quiz

    7. Osteomyelitis (Garner)

    8. Osteomyelitis Quiz

    9. Bone grafts (Ng)

    10. Bone graft quiz

About this course

  • Free
  • 130 lessons
  • 39.5 hours of video content

Instructors (1-3)

Biography

Daniel Cardosa, Jr. is a board-certified veterinarian specializing in small animal orthopedic surgery, stem cell therapy, and regenerative medicine, currently owning Big River Veterinary Service in West Greenwich, RI since 2006. He has a diverse background, including serving as a veterinarian in the U.S. Army in Iraq, where he contributed to agricultural and public health reconstruction efforts, and has held various veterinary roles since the 1990s, including chief of veterinary services at Hill Air Force Base. He holds a Ph.D. in Stem Cell Medicine and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Tufts University. He is a Founding Fellow of ABVP Canine and Feline Orthopedics.

Daniel Cardosa

DVM, DABVP, MACVSc, FFABVP-CFO

Instructors (1-3)

Biography

I was born in South Korea and studied veterinary medicine there before completing my senior clinical year at Cornell University, where I met Dr. Steve Ettinger and interned at his practice. I pursued a surgical specialty internship at the University of Missouri-Columbia, handling complex cases, and published several studies, including a first-author paper in Veterinary Surgery. In 2007, I founded my veterinary practice, which I ran successfully for 12 years before selling in 2019. Now, as a self-employed Veterinary Mobile Surgeon, I serve over 50 practices in Orange and Los Angeles Counties, performing advanced orthopedic and soft tissue surgeries like TPLO and fracture repairs, helping clinics manage complex cases affordably.

In 2011, I became a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) in canine and feline practice, recertifying in 2020. He is a Founding Fellow of ABVP Canine and Feline Orthopedics. I’ve been married to my pharmacist wife for over 20 years, and we have two adult children.

Edward Song

DVM, DABVP (CF), CVA, FFABVP-CFO

Instructors (1-3)

Biography

Norris W. McGehee, D.V.M., is a veterinarian and medical director at McGehee Clinic for Animals in Memphis, Tennessee. He has been practicing since 1987 and is a diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in canine/feline practice since 1998. He graduated cum laude from the University of Tennessee in 1987. McGehee has held various professional roles and received numerous awards, including the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Tennessee in 2015. He is actively involved in multiple veterinary organizations and has received recognition as a finalist for various veterinary clinic awards over the years.

Norris McGehee

DVM, DABVP (CF)

Instructors (4-6)

Biography

I am a veterinarian practising in Hong Kong. My main interest is in surgery. I attained my diplomate status in American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (Canine and Feline Practice) in 2019 and American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (Feline Practice) in 2020. I hold Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (General Small Animal Surgery) by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons since 2016. I am also a member of the ANCZVS (Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists) by examination in Small Animal Surgery.

Elaine Ng

VetMB, DABVP (CF, Fe), CVA

Instructors (4-6)

Biography

Dr. Michael Dutton previously owned 2 AAHA hospitals with a large exotic pet caseload (~6000 pets per year). He retired in 2024 from clinical practice.

He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in four specialties: Canine & Feline Practice, Avian Practice, Exotic Companion Mammal Practice, and Reptile & Amphibian Practice. He has lectured and written on exotic pet veterinary topics and pain management both locally and nationally.

He has a Master’s degree in Pain Management, is a certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner by IVAPM, and a certified Aquatic Veterinarian by WAVMA.

He is a Founding Fellow of ABVP Companion Animal Pain Management. He is a Founding Fellow of ABVP Canine and Feline Orthopedics.

Michael Dutton

DVM, MS, DABVP (CF, Av, ECM, RA). FFABVP-CAPM. FFABVP-CFO. CVPP. CertAqV

Instructors (4-6)

Biography

Dr. Jerrod Johnson earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of the Cumberlands in 2007, followed by graduation from Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2011. Dr Johnson is a diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practice and is a Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner (CVPP). He is also certified in companion animal pain management an Elite Fear-Free certified professional, and an active consultant in rehab, sports medicine, and chronic pain for VIN. He is a Founding Fellow of ABVP Canine and Feline Orthopedics. As a frequent speaker at both regional and national veterinary conferences, he embraces the opportunity to contribute to the veterinary community by discussing topics spanning the spectrum of pain management. Dr. Johnson has a passion for mentorship, education, and the advancement of Veterinary Medicine.

Jerrod Johnson

DVM, DABVP(CF), CVPP, FFABVP-CFO

Instructors (7-9)

Biography

My practice has been limited to mobile surgery for since 2006. I have taught orthopedic and soft tissue surgery for many years to include TPLO, TTA, and fracture repair. I recently finished a master's degree in orthopedic traumatology and surgery. He is a Founding Fellow of ABVP Canine and Feline Orthopedics.

Jeff Mayo

DVM, DABVP (CF), MS, MANZCVS (Surgery), FFABVP-CFO

Instructors (7-9)

Biography

Dr. Deepan Kishore has spent over a decade practicing in a busy 24-hour emergency and specialty hospital in Oklahoma City and also gained valuable experience practicing in Pittsburgh. He has held key leadership positions, including Medical Director, Research Director, and Chair of the Internship Committee, demonstrating his commitment to advancing veterinary medicine. As a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) and a Founding Fellow in Emergency Medicine, Dr. Kishore offers a multi-faceted approach to patient care, particularly in complex medical and surgical cases. His expertise spans emergency, soft tissue, and orthopedic surgery, incorporating advanced diagnostic and minimally invasive techniques such as computed tomography (CT), fluoroscopy, endoscopy, rhinoscopy, arthroscopy, cystoscopy, and laparoscopy. Over the years, he has performed more than 4,000 surgical procedures, including TPLO (ACL/cruciate repair), fracture repairs (bone plating, pinning, external fixators), hemilaminectomies, and soft tissue surgeries. Additionally, Dr. Kishore champions non-opioid pain management, utilizing platelet-rich plasma (PRP), rehabilitation, and stem cell therapy for chronic pain control.

Deepan Kishore

BVSc & AH, MS, Diplomate ABVP (CF), FFABVP-CFEP

Instructors (7-9)

Biography

Dr, Cavanaugh graduated from Colorado State University in 1980. He worked one year in a mixed animal practice in Oregon. He started my own practice in 1981. It has grown to a four doctor practice. He has a special interest in surgery- both orthopedic and soft-tissue.

Tim Cavanaugh

DVM, DABVP(CF), CVA

Instructors (10-12)

Biography

Dr. William (Bill) McGee, DVM, DABVP (Canine and Feline Practice) Owner and Veterinarian, Bridgeport Animal Hospital Dr. Bill McGee has been immersed in veterinary medicine since his first volunteer position in 1983. A graduate of Texas A&M University and Tarleton State University, Dr. Bill is an owner and veterinarian at Bridgeport Animal Hospital PLLC, where he provides advanced orthopedic, neurologic, and rehabilitative care to small animal patients. He is board-certified through the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners and holds a certification in chiropractic care. He has completed the course work for CCRP certification and is anticipating full certification in the near future. As a provider of advanced techniques in small animal orthopedics, Dr. Bill has been an invited attendee at several international orthopedic congresses, including events in Colorado, Dubai, Turin, Rome, and New York City. He has a special interest in fracture repair, arthroscopy, angular deformity correction, and neurosurgery, and integrates progressive rehabilitation and alternative modalities into his practice. Beyond the clinic, Dr. Bill is an avid scuba diver, photographer, and reformed skydiver. He enjoys woodworking, knife making, and spending time on his ranch with his dogs, cattle and horses. He is a Founding Fellow of ABVP Canine and Feline Orthopedics.

Bill McGee

DVM, DABVP (CF), FFABVP-CFO

Instructors (10-12)

Biography

Dr. Nik Weber has been a solo practitioner in Northern California for over two decades, with a clinical emphasis on orthopedic surgery in companion animals and exotic species. He is a 1995 graduate of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine and has been -certified in Canine and Feline Practice since 2001 and Avian Practice since 2007. Dr. Weber has authored numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and has lectured at regional, national, and international conferences. His lectures have focused primarily on avian topics including avian orthopedic surgery.

Nik Weber

DVM, DABVP (Av, CF), FFABVP-CFO

Instructors (10-12)

Biography

Dr, Cavanaugh graduated from Colorado State University in 1980. He worked one year in a mixed animal practice in Oregon. He started my own practice in 1981. It has grown to a four doctor practice. He has a special interest in surgery- both orthopedic and soft-tissue.

Tim Cavanaugh

DVM, DABVP(CF), CVA

Instructors (13-15)

Biography

Dr. Steven Garner is the founder and Chief of Staff of Safari Veterinary Care Centers in League City, Texas. Since founding Safari in 1984, Dr. Garner has worked to realize a practice model in which a private practice veterinarian could deliver care at the level taught in veterinary school—both medically and technologically—while remaining financially sustainable. His vision has been to create a profession where veterinarians can thrive and where, importantly, they would be proud to see their children follow in their footsteps. In 2012, Dr. Garner led the expansion of Safari into a 10,000-square-foot specialty facility equipped with advanced imaging and diagnostic tools including a 3.0 Tesla MRI, CT scanner, C-arm fluoroscopy, endoscopy, arthroscopy, and ultrasonography. The practice includes a fully equipped orthopedic surgical suite and serves as a regional referral center for orthopedic procedures such as fracture repair, cruciate ligament stabilization, and spinal decompression surgery. These surgeries are routinely augmented with mesenchymal stem cell therapy to support enhanced recovery and long-term outcomes. Over the past ten years, Dr. Garner has focused extensively on regenerative medicine, particularly in the treatment of immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). Safari Veterinary Care Centers is the only private veterinary practice in the United States with a fully functional, cGMP-compliant stem cell laboratory producing allogenic mesenchymal stem cells for clinical use. Dr. Garner's clinical research in this area is being conducted in coordination with the FDA through the Veterinary Innovation Program (VIP), and his team is currently developing a MUMS (Minor Use/Minor Species) submission for stem cell therapy in IVDD cases. Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Garner is known for his contributions to veterinary business systems and knowledge management. He developed the “VetPlan” software platform in 1999, a practice management and client communication tool used in over 300 veterinary practices worldwide. VetPlan is part of the Safari Knowledge Systems, a framework designed to improve medical recommendation compliance, staff communication, and client satisfaction. Dr. Garner’s “Transformation for Success” seminars and consulting efforts have reached over 2,500 veterinary professionals and helped implement Safari-style systems in more than 500 practices globally. Dr. Garner is a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (Canine and Feline Practice), having earned certification in 1992 and re-certified in 2002, 2012, and 2022. He has lectured internationally on veterinary medical, business, and software topics, and has served in leadership roles including Chairman of the Practice Management section of the Western Veterinary Conference. As a Founding Fellow of the ABVP Canine and Feline Orthopedic Fellowship, Dr. Garner continues to contribute his expertise in orthopedic surgery and regenerative therapy, while advancing a vision of excellence, sustainability, and mentorship within the veterinary profession.

Steven Garner

DVM, DABVP (CF)

Instructors (13-15)

Biography

Dr. Lori W. Wyatt is a native of Kentucky who received her DVM degree from Tuskegee University, School of Veterinary Medicine in 1990. She then attended Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine to complete a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery. Dr. Wyatt’s career in small animal practice began in Illinois at two small animal hospitals before establishing The Animal Doctor in July of 1996, which is listed in Newsweek as one of America’s top veterinary hospitals for 2025. She also owns 2 additional AAHA-accredited small animal hospitals in Illinois (Sycamore Animal Hospital and Animal Medical Center of Crystal Lake). Dr. Wyatt has special interests in soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, small animal rehabilitation and physical therapy, ultrasound and Computed Tomography imaging and working on challenging medical cases. In 2010, Dr. Wyatt completed certification in Canine Rehabilitation (CCRP) at the University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine. In 2021, she became a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary practitioners (Canine and Feline). She is married to Karl, and they have a daughter, two grandchildren and a fun-loving American Staffordshire Terrier dog named Prince K’Challa.

Lori Wyatt

DABVP (CF), CCRP

Guest Instructors (1-3)

Biography

Dr. Epstein received his DVM from University of Georgia and is the Senior Partner and Medical Director of TotalBond Veterinary Hospitals, a small group of AAHA-accredited practices in the Charlotte & Gastonia NC. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (Canine/Feline), a Founding Fellow Companion Animal Pain Management, and is a past-president of ABVP. He is recognized as a Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner (CVPP) by the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management, and is a past-president of IVAPM; he is currently President of the IVAPM Research & Scholarship Foundation. Dr. Epstein chaired the AAHA Senior Care Guidelines Task Force and co-Chaired the 2015 AAHA/AAFP Pain Management Guidelines Task Force; and an author of numerous book chapters and review articles. He is a recipient of the 2022 Viticus Small Animal Educator of the Year Award.

Mark Epstein

DVM, DABVP (CF), CVPP, CVA, FFABVP-CAPM

Guest Instructors (1-3)

Biography

Dr. W. Mark Cousins received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from Louisiana State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1980 He went on to study business management through the Veterinary Management Institute at the Krannert School of Business at Purdue University. In 2000, Dr. Cousins became a diplomate in feline practice of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners and recertified again 2010 and 2020. In 2012, Dr. Cousins achieved certification in pain management (Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner - CVPP) from the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management. He has also been awarded the Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) designation from the International Veterinary Acupuncturist Society (IVAS). Dr. Cousins has presented at national and international symposia, local and state VMA’s, as well as veterinary schools on topics relating to feline medicine and feline business. He is recently published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. In 2022, Dr. Cousins has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the American Heartworm Society. He was also the Feline Regent for the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (2023-2025) and a Founding Fellow of the Companion Animal Pain Management Practice fellowship of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners.

Mark Cousins

DABVP (Fe), CVPP, FFABVP-CAPM