Please read the following article to become informed about when and why you may need a specialist: Does Your Horse Need a Specialist?
What does it mean to be Board-certified?
The process of becoming board certified is arduous and time consuming. Following graduation from veterinary
school a veterinarian must complete a 1 year internship program at an accredited facility. Following a successful
competition process to obtain a residency program (only 25-30 positions are offered annually in all of
North America), 3 years are spent training under the supervision of other board certified surgeons at an
accredited facility. This training process is sanctioned by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS),
which oversees the process closely as it is responsible for granting “Diplomate” status. Once the three-year
program is completed and one has satisfied the stringent guidelines required by the ACVS, the candidate must
pass a grueling examination prior to becoming “Diplomate”. This process ensures the public protection as the
individual is able to practice surgery at the highest standards of care. Only individuals with the accreditation
of being “Diplomates” are considered to be specialists in their field. For more information about board certified
surgeons please visit www.ACVS.org
How do I access the hospital services?
Dr. Cruz is employed by Paton and Martin Veterinary Services in Aldergrove, BC (www.pmvetservices.com)
and is available to all clients of our practice. For clients of other clinics, your horse can be referred
to us thru your Veterinarian by phone or by using our
Referral Form (Word Doc). Dr. Cruz is available for second
opinions, particularly for lameness and orthopedic issues and for any surgical procedure that your horse may need.
What type of surgeries can be completed in the hospital?
We are equipped and prepared to do most surgeries on horses included but not limited to castrations,
cryptorchids (retained testicles), angular limb deformities, fracture repair, minimally invasive surgery
(laparoscopy), airway surgery, arthroscopies, colic and more. Despite Dr. Cruz’s vast experience as a surgeon,
the hospital is still not equipped with some of the more unusual equipment as we are growing. However, special
arrangements can be made if your horse is in need of such procedures. In the future, we hope to be able to offer
all and any kind of surgical procedure needed. For additional information, please contact us via e-mail at
admin@pmvetservices.com or phone at 604-856-3351.
What is involved in bringing my horse to your hospital?
Following referral by your veterinarian, an appointment will be made that is convenient to you and your
horse (if needed, we may suggest a few names to aid in transportation to and from the hospital). Our office
is located on the right immediately upon entering the driveway. You should report immediately to the front
desk and a staff member will obtain your personal information prior to unloading your horse. Your horse will
be examined and an initial cost estimate will be offered to you for approval. Following your approval and
consent, our staff will proceed with the care of your horse. Upon discharge, you will be given a summary of
the work performed and a sheet outlining the rehabilitation process and at-home care. Your Veterinarian will
receive a copy of the rehabilitation form and a summary of our work. Depending on the individual case,
follow-up with your horse such as stitch removal or special medications, can be performed at-home by your
regular Veterinarian.
How do I pay for the services?
Our hospital policy requests a valid Visa or Mastercard and a 50 % deposit upon initial cost estimate.
Payment is due in full upon discharge of your horse from our hospital. If your horse requires extended
hospitalization, payment in full is required weekly prior to providing additional care. We accept cash,
debit, Visa or Mastercard only. Sorry no cheques are accepted.
Why do I need to bring my horse to your facility?
Although Dr. Cruz may travel occasionally to your barn, many procedures are best done in a controlled
environment, which can be maintained at the highest standards. In addition, we have access to equipment
in the hospital that may not be readily available in the field because of issue with portability. For more complex
lameness investigations, which may be lengthy and tedious, it is best to leave your horse with us, as we
understand that your time is valuable too.
What if my horse needs to be hospitalized?
Depending on the circumstances, your horse may be housed in our hospital or they may be kept in
one of our outdoor paddocks. Our hospital offers around-the-clock care as needed by our qualified staff.
Your horse will be fed 3-4x/day, the stall cleaned 2x/day and they will be groomed daily. A member of our staff
will provide daily updates on the condition of your horse and your bill.
When can I visit my horse?
Visiting hours are limited due to confidentiality issues with other horses in the
hospital, you and your horse’s safety, and to avoid disruption of normal hospital functions.
We strongly encourage you to make an appointment with the office prior to arriving.
What if more diagnostics are needed? MRI? Bone Scan?
We currently do not have bone scan (scintigraphy) or MRI capabilities at our
facilities. For these special procedures, we will refer you to a centre with such capabilities and design a
treatment and rehabilitation plan based on their findings.
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