Biography of Dr. Daniel Degner

Dr. Daniel Degner earned a degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 1990. He then practiced veterinary medicine for two years in a small animal practice in Edmonton, Alberta. Thereafter, he completed a small animal internship in medicine and surgery at Colorado State University and a surgical residency at Michigan State University. In 1997, following rigorous examination, he graduated from the American college of Veterinary Surgeons as a diplomate. This college validates the surgeon's competency in the art and science of soft tissue and orthopedic veterinary surgery.

As a staff surgeon at Michigan Veterinary Specialists, he commonly performs orthopedic surgeries such as the tibial plateau leveling osteotomy surgery for dogs that have ruptured their cranial cruciate ligaments. In addition to many other orthopedic procedures, he performs minimally invasive surgery called arthroscopy (to treat joint conditions), laparoscopy (to treat abdominal conditions), and thorocoscopy (to treat chest conditions).

He is skilled in microvascular surgery, which is used for bone reconstruction following removal of bone tumors. In addition, he uses vascular surgical techniques to repair large complex wounds with free flaps and to perform kidney transplantation in cats. Dr. Degner continues to be very active in the training of veterinarians the art and science of surgery at local, state, and national continuing education meetings.

On a personal note, Dr. Degner has been married since 1995. He and his wife, Dr. Lisa Degner, have two children, Autumn and Ethan. His family also includes Duncan - a rescued Toy Poodle, Pasha - a rescued standard poodle, three rescued cats (Citronella, Pumpkin and Scooby) and many tropcial fish.

Please see Curriculum vitae for more information on Dr. Degner. Or click here for a PDF of Dr. Degner's CV.

Dr. Degner lives to eat so here are some of his favorite recipes that he would like to share with you.

Board-certification by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons

What does it mean?

• Four years of advanced training in surgery beyond the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree

• Experience in the development of new surgical treatments

• Rigorous examination by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons to ensure competency in advanced surgical techniques

• Certifies that a veterinarian is a surgical specialist