Our team approach to veterinary surgery gives pets with complex medical and surgical problems the best possible treatment and care, with in hospital access to specialists in internal medicine, radiology, critical care, and oncology. We have advanced surgical, monitoring, and intensive care equipment as well as a 24 hour intensive care unit staffed with experienced and compassionate veterinary and technical staff.

 

Surgical Services Include (but are not limited to):

  • Orthopedic Surgery such as: patellar luxation and TPLO
  • Soft Tissue Surgery such as: abdominal exploratory and oncological surgery
  • Fracture Repair
  • Trauma Stabilization
  • New! Minimally invasive Laparoscopy
  • Reconstructive Surgery
  • Correction of Congenital Abnormalities
  • Thoracic Surgery

For more information on how to refer patients to the surgical department, visit our Referral Instructions page.

Our surgical team believes that compassion and communication, as well as surgical skill, are fundamental to providing pets with the best care possible.

 

 

 

 

 

Download our Surgical Fliers for more information on:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

About the Surgeon:

 

Tamara Walker, DVM DACVS is a 1995 graduate of Western College of Veterinary Medicine. She completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the Ontario Veterinary College in Ontario, Canada in 1996. She worked in private practice for several years and then did a surgery residency at Washington State University where she received the WSU Surgical Resident Award 1999-2001. While teaching as a clinical instructor at WSU, she became board certified in small animal surgery in 2001 by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, and also received her master's degree.

Dr. Walker worked in Portand, Oregon at a private surgical referral practice doing both orthopedic and soft tissue procedures. In 2004, she received the Dove Lewis Emergency Animal Hospital Surgeon of the Year Award. She joined the ACCES team in January, 2006.


Along with surgery and animals, she is passionate about the outdoors. She lives in Seattle with her husband Steve, their two cats, and one big eared dog named Kali.

The title “ACVS Diplomate” refers to a veterinarian who is board certified in veterinary surgery.  Board certified surgeons commonly have 4-8 years of additional training after veterinary school including a 3-year surgery residency.  Residencies provide specific specialized surgery training not available as part of a typical veterinary education.  This process is strictly supervised by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS), ensuring consistency in training and adherence to high standards.  Once the program has been completed, the resident must sit for and pass a rigorous examination.  Only then does the veterinarian earn the title of ACVS Diplomate and can be considered a specialist in veterinary surgery.

  • Innovation
    Diplomates are on the forefront of surgical disease research.  We are the pioneers of the finest surgical techniques and are responsible for the advancement of veterinary surgery.
  • Proficiency
    Diplomates perform more surgeries than any other group.  A highly focused caseload means we have an unequaled understanding of veterinary surgery and perform it with exceptional skill.
  • Expertise
    Diplomates are the experts in veterinary surgery.  We have advanced surgical expertise founded on a strong knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology and clinical medicine.  We are the teachers of students and veterinarians alike.  Any veterinarian who performs surgery has benefited from a Diplomate’s expertise.
  • Education
    Diplomates learn state-of-the-art surgical techniques.  We continually expand our knowledge and skill base through intensive continuing education.

Source: The American College of Veterinary Surgeons