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
Deena
Agility
“I was unsure whether she’d get back to competition fitness. After six months off, followed by extensive rehabilitation and continuing weekly fitness sessions, she adds her Preferred Agility Championship to her four MACHs, and she is now CH MACH4 PACH Black Alder Denali JH T2B4 MF MXG2 MXJP2 MXP3 MJP3!”
Maicoh
Protection & French Ring
“Kraken is back doing all the things a healthy 5-year-old Border Collie should be doing. He loves sheep herding, agility, swimming, hiking, playing with his two Dutch Shepherd brothers and ruling our house. Maicoh has retired from French Ring and enjoys dock diving in his own dock-dog pool in our yard, hiking and trying to keep Kraken—and Maicoh’s son, Lycan—in line.’
Shazam
Agility
“While a definitive diagnosis took a bit of time, Dr. Canapp did get to the underlying cause, and both of Shazam’s wrists were treated. This treatment, along with a rehabilitation program, resolved his lameness, and Shazam and I had an extremely rigorous and successful competitive agility career for many years.”
Bang
Agility
“after considering and some research I decided on most experience and also the possibility for radiofrequency ablation (RF). RF isn’t offered anywhere in Finland yet, so even with some quite skillful vets in Finland too, I wanted to get the best possible treatment for Bang. Sherman was really helpful in this decision making process, he gave me time to think about it, showed me research on shoulder issues and videos of the scopes and how RF works and answered with patience all the many questions I had.”