Veterinary Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Group

Reviews 5

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Tonilyn Fay

I need to share with you all an experience I had with a veterinary “specialist” so that it doesn’t happen to you or someone you know. Last year was a very stressful and trying year for our dog, a young male Giant, and for our family. He was experiencing debilitating pain in his leg that we feared was becoming chronic. We looked for help and advice and thought we were headed in the right direction. A highly recommended veterinary specialist, Dr. Sherman Canapp, owner of the Veterinary Orthopedic Sports Medicine (VOSM) in Maryland, diagnosed our dog with a torn CCL and recommended an expensive stem cell therapy. He told me he had performed this procedure on 52 dogs and 50 of them fully recovered. The two that didn’t apparently did not follow his instructions. With his assurances that this is what was vital to the dogs full recovery, we were sold on this extensive and incredibly expensive procedure. After months of adhering to his medical instructions and recommendations, my dogs symptoms did not improve or subside. He was in as much pain as when we started the stem cell treatment and all of the therapies associated with it. Frustrated and concerned, we then brought the dog to the renowned Tufts University in Massachusetts, meeting with the head of their orthopedic department. We found out that he NEVER had a torn CCL – there was no medical reason for the stem cell therapy! Our experience with Dr. Canapp and VOSM was clearly not a positive one. The doctor was never available for follow ups after “selling” us on this incredibly expensive and unnecessary stem cell therapy! We are not alone in our frustrations as others in the VOSM waiting area were also told the doctor was “not available”. He wouldn’t discuss his misdiagnosis or provide any sort of explanation – he would not deal with us as clients. He was however, very happy to take our money. If you find that your beloved pet has an orthopedic issue that is not being properly addressed, please learn from my experiences with VOSM and Dr. Canapp. Go to Tufts!

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Alexis D

I wanted to like this place. I really did. They were so accommodating when I needed to schedule my initial appointment - you know, the one where I had to thrown down a fistful of cash. They had days and times available for me and my pup. I thought I had found a really great place. Expensive, really expensive, but great. We went in a little before the appointed time and...well...we waited for a bit. But then the vet tech took us into a room and...well...we waited a bit longer. The vet did eventually arrive and he was great. Yes, this place is expensive, but they were thorough with the xrays. And I was happy that the vet didnt push me toward the most expensive and aggressive treatment. He gave me options, and I decided on the middle one - a $150 brace for my dogs leg. But now heres the rub. The brace is in, and all I have to do is schedule an appointment to go in with my dog to get it, because according to them they have to show me how to put it on. But since this appointment is a follow-up appointment (read: no fee), they now cant seem to find any time in their schedule to accommodate me. This week (I called over a week ago) they couldnt find any time that fit with mine - ok fine, my work schedule can be trying. But next week I have the entire week off except Monday night....and they cant find one single spot to fit us in? I find that hard to believe. And they left me on hold on the phone for 10 minutes to let me know that. I wonder if the appointment was a fee appointment if they would be bending over backwards again to try to accommodate me like they did the first time. I have asked, twice, if they could just mail me the already-paid-for brace with instructions, but they refuse to give me an answer. Its really disappointing. I really thought they were better than this. At this point, I am out over $500 and have absolutely nothing to show for it. And that is lame.

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eric koch

Mia , a Rottie was born with bone defects , as a puppy she was lethargic , in severe pain - Our vet informed me of VOSM , it was there she was diagnosed and had surgery on both front shoulders (OCD) as a puppy while her bones were developing , followed by PT - .. Saying the procedure was successful would be an understatement . Another year had passed and Mia had issue with her hind quarter CCL , knees . One day she could not walk , she was now 89lbs ,because of her size a decision was made to have surgery on the worse of the two knees , followed by PT , then proceed if need be with the other knee . As soon as she recovered the second (TPLO) surgery was performed and followed by PT - Mia had three surgeries in a period of three years , each followed by recommend PT , each one a complete success .. She will be four , 120lbs and is the fastest Rottie Ive ever had , she is happy and playful , stuck in the "puppyhood " she never had . These procedures were not cheap, however in retrospect of what medical costs are I found them very reasonable ... the outcome well worth the cost - if need be Id gladly do it over again without hesitation at "VOSM " . Im just happy to have had a facility in Maryland that provides this level of care and dedication . I thank Dr. Leisure , and all of the staff at VOSM for their dedication , skill and caring .

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Robert Miller

My dog, Chloe Mae, and myself were treated so very well. The doctors and techs were the most professional and friendly. The facility is top notch. The waiting area allows for the many different animal personalities to wait and not add to the anxiety they may be experiencing. The exam rooms were also very appropriate for the animals. They have large dog beds on the floor and chairs for the people. They have state of the art equipment to assist in correctly diagnosing your pet. The doctors and techs were very competent, very kind and very caring to my dog. My dog had CCL repair surgery and the PT afterwards. It has been about 7 weeks post surgery and she is doing great. I attribute this to the excellent care we received and continue to get at VOSM. I truly recommend this facility and their docs for anyone that has a dog that requires orthopedic surgery.

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LuMary Galletti Robinson

I really love this place. Princess has had to come in for two TPLO surgeries and at 11yrs old is it not easy feat, yet the staff is awesome, and my girl has had great results. After her first surgery my girl was out running with me for a mile and a half runs, she was running, swimming and enjoying life until she scooted after going #2 and partially tore her left CCL earlier this year. I really thought we were in the clear because we were told that she could tear her other leg since once one knee goes out there is good chance the sencond would go too. Yeah, she went in for surgery number two and jus like her first, she has done awesome recovering. I thank the docs and staff at VOSM for their awesome care they have given my baby girl.

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