About Chesapeake Veterinary Surgical Specialists

about-chesapeake-veterinary-surgical-specialists-maryland

Chesapeake Veterinary Surgical Specialists, formerly Chesapeake Veterinary Referral Surgery (CVRS), was founded in Annapolis in 1992 as a component of the Chesapeake Veterinary Referral Center (CVRC), and opened a second location in Towson in 1998. In the Fall of 2016, CVSS joined CVRC in opening a third location in Columbia.

The medical staff of Chesapeake Veterinary Surgical Specialists is composed of nine staff surgeons, three surgical residents, surgical interns, Registered Veterinary Technicians, technician assistants, and ICU technicians. All of our staff surgeons are boarded or board-eligible by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Chesapeake Veterinary Surgical Specialists is associated with emergency care facilities that have 24 hour doctor care in our intensive care units at all of our locations:  AAVEC in Annapolis and Pet+E.R. in Hunt Valley and Columbia.  Our three locations have doctors on premises 24 hours a day to ensure that all of our patients receive the highest quality care.

If you would like to learn more about our practice, see our surgical informational brochure or our pet rehabilitation brochure.

Collaboration with Referral Specialists


Our direct access to a multitude of other veterinary specialists in all three of our locations means that we are able to offer cross-specialty care for the most complex cases. Our practice is co-located within the Chesapeake Veterinary Referral Center, a coalition of board-certified veterinary specialists in the disciplines of emergency medicine and critical care, surgery, canine rehabilitation, internal medicine, oncology, cardiology, eye care, neurology and advanced imaging.

We regularly collaborate with:

Alice D.Alice D. ★★★★★ We met Dr. Burgess and his devoted colleagues and staff under the worst circumstances. Over several weeks our active, happy Terrier mix Fox had isolated himself from the family, stopped eating and resisted his walks. A scan revealed tumors in the spleen and liver. The radiologist and our own veterinarian insisted that a specialist needed to be consulted before a final decision could be made. We were frantic and confused about the best course of action. After several futile attempts to get an appointment with veterinary surgeons and oncologists, and cold rejections of our dog's need, we were so lucky to call the Annapolis branch of Chesapeake Veterinary Surgical Specialists.From my initial call, I was treated with care and concern. The receptionist was sympathetic from the beginning of my explanation. Miraculously, Dr. Burgess had an appointment the following day. Surgeons usually deal with difficult situations, but Dr. Burgess went beyond all expectations in helping us and Fox with a diagnosis. After his examination, he clearly and compassionately explained possible options, but Dr. Burgess stunned us when he explained he had appealed to his oncologist colleague to do a definitive aspiration--- that day! This extra immediate care struck us unbelievably kind. His attentive vet tech Jess assured us she would make Fox warm and comfy with a heated blanket while we waited.Afterward Dr. Burgess delivered the diagnosis with empathy and candor. He did not hurry, but shared personal stories, looked up a crematorium at our request, and shared our grief in that very sad moment. Although sad, we were at peace, and knew with certainty what we should do. Fox crossed the Rainbow Bridge the next morning, in our living room, on his bed as we talked to him and gave him rubs.Of course there will be another dog in our future. We live in Towson and Annapolis is a drive, but should our next Doggo need a surgeon, I would drive to Annapolis without hesitation to have him treated by Dr. Burgess at CVSS.Response from the ownerThank you for sharing your experience with us. We are deeply sorry for your loss and understand how difficult it must have been for you and your family. We are grateful that Dr. Burgess and our team were able to provide you with the care and compassion you needed during such a challenging time. If you ever need our services again in the future, please do not hesitate to reach out. Lisa A.Lisa A. ★★★★★ The staff and Doctors are wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help with my fur babies!Response from the ownerThank you, Lisa! We're thrilled to hear that you had a positive experience with our staff and doctors. We're always here to help with your fur babies. Joanne G.Joanne G. ★★★★★ Care, compassion, professionalism—these best describe our experience with Chesapeake PET ER. From the people at the front desk who checked us in, to the vet techs, nurses, and veterinarians, we and our dog Ducky were treated with the utmost respect and tenderness as they listened to our concerns and questions and then addressed them. We hope we never have to face another emergency with our pet—but we know where we will turn. We feared the worst when we brought him in and are beyond grateful for the staff who supported us and returned him to us.Response from the ownerThank you for sharing your positive experience with Chesapeake Veterinary Surgical Specialists - Hunt Valley. We are glad to hear that our partners at Pet+E.R. provided care, compassion, and professionalism during your visit. We strive to address concerns and provide the best possible care for your pets. We appreciate your trust and hope to continue serving you and your furry friend in the future. John H O.John H O. ★★★★★ Dr. Mindy Wolfe is one of the most professional veterinarians I have ever met. Besides being a top notch surgeon who is knowledgeable and can easily explain procedures to her patients owners, Dr. Wolfe is both caring for her patients well being and sensitive to the conflicts of the patients owners.I would never hesitate to bring my pet to Dr. Wolfe for treatment, knowing that the treatment and care would be the best possible!Response from the ownerThank you so much for your kind words, John. We are so happy to hear that you had a positive experience with Dr. Mindy Wolfe and our team at Chesapeake Veterinary Surgical Specialists - Annapolis. We strive to provide the best possible care and treatment for your pet, and we are glad that we were able to meet your expectations. Lydia B.Lydia B. ★★★★★ Our Dog was diagnosed with Hyperparathyroidism and needed surgery to remove the tumor on her parathyroid gland. Our Veterinarian suggested Dr. Jayakumar.She and her team did a fantastic job, our Coco recovered well without any issues, all recheck visits were on time and the staff was extremely pleasant.We are elated and so happy that our Dog Coco has many more years we can share with her.Thank you Dr. Jay, you and your incredible staff did a wonderful job.Response from the ownerLydia, we are so happy to hear that Coco had a successful surgery and is recovering well. We are committed to providing the highest quality of veterinary care to our patients, and we are thrilled that Coco is doing well. It means the world to our team to receive feedback like this. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions or concerns. Tired T.Tired T. ★★★★★ Wonderful staff. Always so friendly!Response from the ownerThank you for your kind words! We strive to provide excellent service and a friendly environment for our customers. If you ever need anything, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. EllenEllen ★★★★★ This office was amazing from the minute I called to make the appointment with Keyana to speaking with the coordinator Alex, and finally meeting Dr. Middlestead. They are the most professional, friendly staff. Their warm welcome is very comforting when going through such a stressful situation. Dr. Mittelstead was very compassionate and knowledgeable. I knew she was the surgeon we would be using for Bleu immediately after our visit. He says” thanks for helping me walk again”! ❤️ I highly recommend this practice!Response from the ownerThank you for your kind words, Ellen! We're glad to hear that you had a positive experience with our team at Chesapeake Veterinary Surgical Specialists - Hunt Valley. We strive to provide compassionate and knowledgeable care to all of our patients, and we're thrilled that you felt well taken care of. If you have any further questions or need assistance in the future, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. David R.David R. ★★★★★ Everyone we dealt with from front desk to vet techs to Dr Moore were professional and informative to relieve our anxiety with our dog’s injury and need for surgery. It’s only been a week but Arizona has made such steady progress and we are so grateful! We can’t thank you enough for taking such great care with her.Response from the ownerThank you for your kind words, David! We are thrilled to hear that you had a positive experience with our team at Chesapeake Veterinary Surgical Specialists - Annapolis. We strive to provide professional and informative care to alleviate any anxiety our clients may have. We are delighted that Arizona is making steady progress and we appreciate your gratitude. Thank you for entrusting us with her care. Darlene D.Darlene D. ★★★★★ First time bringing our pup here, first for an ortho evaluation and then to start rehab. Everyone was attentive, fully explained everything that was going on with our boy and what the next steps needed to be. We have been very happy with the care provided so far and the staff are friendly and professional!Response from the ownerThank you for choosing Chesapeake Veterinary Surgical Specialists for your pup's ortho evaluation and rehab. We're glad to hear that our team provided attentive and thorough care, fully explaining the process and next steps. We appreciate your kind words and look forward to continuing to provide friendly and professional service. ellen M.ellen M. ★★★★★ very kind and understanding staffResponse from the ownerThank you for your kind words, Ellen! We're thrilled to hear that our staff was able to provide you with a positive and understanding experience. Sue M.Sue M. ★★★★★ Very caring and helpful. They took great. Care of our dog.Kayla E.Kayla E. ★★★★★ As a referring veterinarian I have taken 3 of my dogs to CVSS as well as the internal medicine service and I have always had an amazing experience. Everyone I have had the pleasure of working with has shown immense kindness and patience with both me and my pets. It makes me feel even more confident when referring my clients to them as I know they are going to receive top tier care.K M.K M. ★★★★★ My husband and I do not have the words to expressed our gratitude for the outstanding care our boy, Lou, received at CVSS during his extended stay after chest wall resection surgery.Dr. Jeyakumar, Dr. Arnold and the entire Surgical - ICU team went above and beyond our expectation to make sure our boy got home.From the beginning Lou’s condition was questionable. His tumor was located in a place where even the CT guided biopsy was not feasible. Options for his treatment were presented to us by Dr.J, and she answered all of our questions and concerns with professionalism and honesty to help us arrive at our decision to move forward with surgery.Throughout Lou’s seven day stay, my family was treated with respect and an abundance of kindness. We were given updates each morning, encouraged to call throughout the day, and daily visits were arranged so that we could spend time with Louie. Never once were we made to feel we were an inconvenience. The ICU staff sat with Lou 24/7, played music for him and treated him with so much love just to keep him relaxed. Dr. J and Dr. Arnold came in during the late evening/early morning hours to check on him. I’m sure it was taxing at times.Because of the skill, dedication and selflessness of these beautiful people we have been gifted a bit more time with our precious boy, and for that we will be forever indebted. Thank you, Dr. Jeyakumar, Dr. Arnold and the entire CVSS TEAM!Randy M.Randy M. ★★★★★ Beth R.Beth R. ★★★★★ CVSS handled our loved one with the utmost care & concern during one of the most difficult times. Thank you.Paula K.Paula K. ★★★★★ We received wonderful care for our dog and she has recovered wellBob M.Bob M. ★★★★★ Gr888 service.Donald Z.Donald Z. ★★★★★ Ronald M.Ronald M. ★★★★★ Response from the ownerThank you for choosing Chesapeake Veterinary Surgical Specialists for your pet's surgical needs. We appreciate your positive review and are delighted to hear that you had a great experience with our team. Providing exceptional care is our top priority, and we are thrilled that we met your expectations. Sue M.Sue M. ★★★★★ Very caring veterinary hospital!Response from the ownerThank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a positive review! We are thrilled to hear that you found Chesapeake Veterinary Surgical Specialists - Annapolis to be a very caring veterinary hospital. Providing exceptional care and compassion for our furry patients is our top priority. js_loader