Surgery
Education
Dartmouth College - Bachelor of Arts, 1989
Cornell University - Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Rotating Small Animal Internship - University of Pennsylvania 1996-1997
PennHIP Research Fellowship - University of Pennsylvania 1997-1998
Small Animal Surgical Residency - University of Pennsylvania 1998-2001
Affiliations
- American College of Veterinary Surgeons
- Veterinary Orthopedic Society
- Society of Veterinary Soft Tissue Surgeons
- American Veterinary Medical Association
- Pennsylvania Veterinarian Medical Association
- Manor College, Member of Advisory Board for Veterinary Technical Program
Certifications
- Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons
Lecturing, Books & Articles Published
Biery DN, Smith GK, Gregor TP, Puerto DA. Canine Hip Dysplasia Symposium - PennHIP update. ACVR-VCS Proceedings Abstract 1997;26.
Smith GK, LaFond E, Puerto D, Gannon F. In vivo performance of Hedrocel® for bone ingrowth of structural orthopedic implants in dogs. VCOT Abstract 1998;4:A59.
Puerto DA, Smith GK, LaFond EL, Conzemius MG, Cabell LM, Gregor TP, McKelvie PJ. The relationship of Ortolani sign to quantitative measures of hip laxity. VCOT Abstract 1998;4:A58.
Puerto DA, Walker LM, Saunders HM. Perinephric pseudocysts and polycystic kidneys in a ferret. Veterinary Radiology and Ultrasound 1998; 39:309-312.
Smith GK, Puerto DA, Lafond EL, Gannon F, Cohen R. Bone ingrowth and remodeling associated with a Hedrocel canine segmental hip implant. Proceedings ORS Annual Conference 1999.
Puerto DA, Smith GK, LaFond EL, Conzemius MG, Cabell LM, Gregor TP, and McKelvie PJ. The relationship of Ortolani method of hip joint palpation and distraction index, Norberg angle and hip score in dogs. J Amer Vet Med Assoc 1999;214:499-501.
Smith GK, Fordyce HH, Gregor TP, Puerto DA et al. Within and between examiner agreement using subjective hip score from the ventrodorsal hip extended radiograph in dogs. Accepted for publication J Amer Vet Med Assoc 2000.
Smith GK, Puerto DA, Fordyce H, and Murphy T. Clinical trial of Hedrocel to alter force/moment patterns about the hip to prevent or inhibit the formation of DJD in dogs prone to CHD. Abstract, Proceedings Total Hip Replacement Symposium, San Diego, CA, June 2000.
Smith GK, LaFond EL, Puerto DA, Gannon F, Cohen R, and Sidebothurm C. In vivo performance of Hedrocel for bone ingrowth into structural orthopaedic implants. Abstract, Proceedings Total Hip Replacement Symposium, San Diego, CA, June 2000.
Puerto DA, Laitinen OM, and Kapatkin AS. Results of surgical decompression for dogs with thoracolumbar intervertebral disk disease and loss of deep pain sensation: a retrospective analysis of 47 cases. Abstract, Vet Surg 1999;28:473.
Puerto DA, Fordyce HH, Murphy TP, and Smith GK. Effect of surgical augmentation of the coxofemoral joint using a trochanteric spacer in young dogs. Proceedings Veterinary Orthopedic Society Annual Conference, Lake Louise, Canada, Feb/March 2001.
Puerto DA, Brockman DJ, Lindquist C, Drobatz K. Spontaneous pneumothorax in 64 dogs: an analysis if surgical and non-surgical management and selected risk factors (1986-1999), J Amer Vet Med Assoc 202; J Amer Vet Med Assoc 2002;220.1670-1674.
Waddell LS, Puerto DA. Tracheal Perforation. Book chapter in 5-Minute Veterinary Consult, Ed. Tilley L, Smith F, Blackwell; 2007: pp 1354-1355.
Puerto DA, Waddel LS. Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome. Book chapter in 5-Minute Veterinary Consult, Ed. Tilley L, Smith F, Blackwell; 2007: pp 174-175.
Puerto DA, Aranson LR. Use of semitendinosus myocutaneous flap for soft tissue reconstruction of a grade IIIB open tibial fracture in a dog. Vet Surg 2004;33:629-635.
Laitinen OM, Puerto DA. Surgical decompression in dogs with thoracolumbar Intervertebral disc disease and loss of deep pain perception: a retrospective study of 46 cases. Acta Vet Scand, 2005, 46, 79-85.
Puerto DA. Lameness. Book chapter in Clinical Veterinary Advisor, Ed. Cote E, Mosby; 2007, pp 616-617.
Puerto DA. Neck Pain. Book chapter in Clinical Veterinary Advisor, Ed. Cote E, Mosby; 2007, pp 741-742.
Presentations:
”Clinical toxoplasmosis in a cat and a retrospective study of feline toxoplasmosis at VHUP from 1986 - 1996“ Grand Rounds, Veterinary School of the University of Pennsylvania, April 1996.
”The relationship of Ortolani sign to quantitative measures of laxity“ Veterinary Orthopedic Society, 25th Annual Conference, February 1998.
”The relationship of Ortolani sign to quantitative measures of hip quality“ Poster, Research Retreat, Veterinary School of the University of Pennsylvania, June 1998.
”Ortolani sign - what does it mean?“ Grand Rounds, Veterinary School of the University of Pennsylvania, December 1998.
”Results of surgical decompression for dogs with thoracolumbar intervertebral disk disease and loss of deep pain sensation: a retrospective analysis of 47 cases“ Resident's Forum, ACVS Symposium 2000, Arlington, VA, September 2000.
”Effect of surgical augmentation of the hip joint using a trochanteric spacer in young dogs“, Veterinary Orthopedic Society 27th Annual Conference, February/March 2001.
”Gastric dilatation and volvulus - an update“, University of Pennsylvania Canine Symposium, January 27, 2001.
”In vivo performance of Hedrocel for bone ingrowth into structural orthopedia implants: treatment and possibly prevention of osteoarthritis of the hip“, University of Pennsylvania, Department of Clinical Studies Special Seminar, July 23, 2001.
”The Acute Abdomen“ Bucks and Montgomery County Veterinary Medical Association, Pennsylvania, December 10, 2003
”Neurosurgical Emergencies“ Bucks and Montgomery County Veterinary Medical Association, Pennsylvania, December 10, 2003
”Spontaneous Pneumothorax“ ACVS Symposium 2005, Washington, DC, October 2005
”Minimally Invasive Surgery: Arthroscopoy and Laparoscopy in Small Animals“ Center for Animal Referral and Emergency Services, March 2006
”Minimally Invasive Surgery in Small Animals“ Southern New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association, November 2006
”Cranial Cruciate Disease – A Clinical Update“ Pet Partners Continuing Education, May 2010
Awards
- Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons - 2002
Experience
2004-Present: Chief of Surgery, Center for Animal Referral and Emergency Services, Langhorne, PA
2002-2004: Staff Veterinarian in Surgery, Department of Clinical Studies, Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
2001-2002: Lecturer in Small Animal Surgery, Department of Clinical Studies, Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
1998-2001: Surgical Resident in Small Animal Surgery, Department of Clinical Studies, Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
1997-1998: Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, PennHIP Laboratory, Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
1996-1997: Veterinary Intern, Department of Clinical Studies, Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
1995-1996: Associate Veterinarian, Wright Veterinary Medical Center, Bethlehem, PA
1993-1995: Associate Veterinarian, Andover Animal Hospital, Andover, MA
Years with CARES
January 2004 - Present
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