Refer a Patient
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Refer a Patient
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.
Will I receive updates about my patient?
Yes. Consultation findings, diagnostic results, treatment recommendations, surgical reports, and follow-up information are shared with the referring veterinarian to support continuity of care.
Will my patient return to my practice after specialty care is complete?
Yes. The Sams Clinic works in partnership with referring veterinarians and is committed to maintaining the veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Patients are always returned to their primary veterinarian for ongoing care.
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
Brick
Hunting
“I wanted to share the the adjectives that VOSM embodies that motivated me travel 15+ hours on 7 different trips with to have VOSM work with 3 of my dogs.”
Cash
Agility
“He has since retired from agility, for other reasons — but is a happy guy, and physically sound. If it wasn’t for the Canapps of you, I wouldn’t have had this moment with my boy, and I will forever be grateful.”
Sig
Agility
“From the moment we stepped into the VOSM clinic, we felt as if we were the most important patient in the office. Everyone was so professional and kind.”
Cider
Agility
“The Canapp experience is literally one of a kind! If you are an avid dog enthusiast, competitor or in the veterinary field, it should be on your list to visit!”