Refer & Collaborate
The Sams Clinic works closely with referring veterinarians because the best referral care builds on the clinical insight already developed by your team. Call us anytime to discuss your patients, referrals, records, or questions.
Refer, Update & Share Records
Submit referrals, patient updates, records, imaging, and supporting documentation.
Request Case Review
We're always happy to consult with you on your cases at no-charge, whether or not a referral is needed.
Request CE for Doctor or Staff
Request CE and training opportunities, hospital visits, lunch-and-learns, or other collaborative opportunities.
Policies & FAQ
Answers to common questions about referrals, records, communication, scheduling, and patient management.
rDVM Online Submission Forms
Select the appropriate form to refer, share records, request a case review, or inquire about CE opportunities. Complete information and supporting files help facilitate review. Submissions are reviewed during normal business hours.
Refer, Update, & Share Records
Request Case Review
Request Training & CE
Our Specialists
Andrew Sams, DVM, MS, DACVS
Founder & Medical Director
Orthopedic Surgery & Arthroscopy
Sherman Canapp, DVM, MS, CCRT, DACVS, DACVSMR
Orthopedic Surgery & Arthroscopy
Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation
Dana Whitlock, DVM, MS, CCRP, CVA, DACVSMR
Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation
Referring Veterinarian FAQs
What types of cases does The Sams Clinic accept?
The Sams Clinic specializes exclusively in orthopedic surgery, sports medicine, and complex orthopedic conditions in dogs and cats. Referring veterinarians are welcome to contact our team to discuss case suitability prior to referral.
Can I discuss a case before making a referral?
Yes. We welcome communication with referring veterinarians regarding diagnostic findings, treatment options, surgical considerations, and referral appropriateness before a patient is scheduled.
How quickly can patients typically be seen?
Appointment availability varies based on case urgency and scheduling demand. Our team works to accommodate urgent orthopedic cases whenever possible and can discuss scheduling options at the time of referral.
How do I submit a referral, records, and imaging?
Submit a referral using our online referral form and include any available medical records, diagnostic imaging, laboratory results, treatment history, and referral concerns. Complete information allows our team to review the case more efficiently, prepare for the consultation, and reduce delays in evaluation, treatment planning, or surgery scheduling. Records and imaging may be uploaded through the referral form or sent separately by email or fax.
What information should I send with a referral?
Diagnostic imaging, laboratory results, treatment history, medical records, and referral concerns are strongly encouraged. Complete information allows our team to prepare more effectively and may help avoid unnecessary delays in evaluation or treatment planning.
Can The Sams Clinic provide a second opinion or case review?
Yes. We frequently evaluate complex, unresolved, or challenging orthopedic cases and are available to provide second opinions regarding diagnosis, treatment options, and surgical recommendations.
Questions?
Patient Stories
Auggie
Agility
“The Canapps have worked wonders on my dog, Auggie, to keep him active and in shape so he can continue to do all that he loves well into his senior years.”
Shazam
Agility
“The expertise, attention to detail and concern for their clients both 2 and 4-legged is exceptional. If in the future any of my dogs would require orthopedic care VOSM would be my first choice to investigate treatment.”
Ryker
Agility
“I can’t thank Dr. Canapp and his team enough for their excellent treatment of Ryker and for giving us both a second chance at agility!”
Lexie
Agility
“The surgeries were successful and Lexie came back to the agility ring as fast as ever. She was the fastest dog in the country (of any breed) competing in 20” preferred in AKC Agility in 2016.”