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
Check
Agility
“My 6-year-old competition agility Border Collie, “Check,” had a medial shoulder instability (MSI) injury that required radiofrequency treatment. At that same time, she also had a severely strained iliopsoas. My dog recovered completely and went on to finish her Master Agility Championship title, running over 7 yards per second.”
Chelsie
Agility
“Chelsie tore the subscapularis tendon in her left shoulder and had it surgically repaired by Dr. Canapp in February 2016. She returned to showing in Rally in June 2016 and went on to win the rally competition at the Cocker Spaniel national specialty in July and also compete in the agility competition there. In 2019, Chelsie was ranked 16th all-breed in AKC Rally and 8th for Cocker spaniels in AKC Preferred Agility.”
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.”
Cane
Dock Diving
“My Labrador Retriever Cane had arthroscopic surgery in May 2016 for shoulder OCD. Now 4 years old, Cane is a dock diving national champion and multi-time national finalist. He also competes in agility, obedience and rally events as well as retriever hunt tests.”