Steve Leshem, DVM, DACVS

For devoted pet parents throughout Canton, CT, and indeed across the entire state of Connecticut, when your beloved canine companion faces a complex medical challenge requiring specialized surgical intervention, finding an expert you can trust implicitly is paramount. Look no further than Dr. Steve Leshem, DVM, DACVS (Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons), a highly respected veterinary surgeon whose practice is located right here in Canton. This article is designed to provide local Connecticut residents with a comprehensive understanding of Dr. Leshem's expertise and why he is a leading choice for advanced veterinary surgical care.

Dr. Steve Leshem is not just a surgeon; he is a compassionate professional renowned for his outstanding diagnostic acumen, surgical prowess, and genuine empathy for both his animal patients and their human families. His approach emphasizes clear communication, thoughtful consideration of all options, and a true partnership with pet owners in making critical health decisions. As evidenced by multiple heartfelt testimonials from grateful clients, Dr. Leshem’s commitment extends beyond the operating table to ensuring a successful recovery and a restored quality of life for his patients.

Consider the compelling experience of Yulee, a five-year-old Leonberger who suffered from laryngeal paralysis. His owner stated, "I had heard from good friends that they had the utmost respect for Dr. Steve Leshem and his surgical abilities so when my regular vet highly recommended I bring my dog to Steve I never hesitated." What truly impressed them was Dr. Leshem's cautious approach: "rather than say, 'Let's operate!' he felt the prudent thing to do was to wait for cooler weather to see how he would respond. That in itself impressed me because I always ask my vets, 'What would you do if this were your dog?' I didn't have to ask him that because my intuition was that Steve already considered Yulee 'our dog'. We were a team." Nine months post-surgery, Yulee is "doing great" and has "resumed his regular visits" as a certified therapy dog, with his owner enthusiastically proclaiming, "Every time we leave the river and drive by Dowd Avenue, we yell out the window, 'Thank you Doc Leshem!'"

Similarly, Jerry, a four-year-old dog, required surgery for hereditary ACL tears in both knees. His owners, who drove from the New Haven area, confirmed, "After a bit of research we knew Leshem was the best Dr. to do this surgery. We drove in from the New Haven area for the surgery, well worth the trip. If your in need of an orthopedic surgeon for your dog I recommend Lesham Vetrinary Practice." These powerful anecdotes underscore Dr. Leshem's exceptional skill, the trust he inspires, and the life-changing outcomes he delivers for pets across Connecticut.

Dr. Steve Leshem, DVM, DACVS, practices at 135 Dowd Ave, Canton, CT 06019, USA. This location positions his specialized surgical practice conveniently within the town of Canton, making it highly accessible for pet owners throughout the Farmington Valley and broader Connecticut region. Dowd Avenue is a known road, facilitating straightforward navigation for clients arriving from surrounding towns such as Simsbury, Avon, Burlington, Farmington, and even further afield, as demonstrated by the client who traveled from the New Haven area.

Accessibility is a critical factor when seeking specialized veterinary care, especially for animals requiring surgical evaluation and recovery. The ability to easily reach the clinic minimizes stress for both the pet and the owner. The presence of ample parking at the facility would typically ensure a smooth arrival and departure. For Connecticut residents, having a highly skilled veterinary surgeon centrally located in Canton provides a crucial resource that is both professional and conveniently situated. The clear address allows for easy location using GPS or online mapping services, ensuring that even those traveling a distance can find their way without unnecessary hassle.

As a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (DACVS), Dr. Steve Leshem specializes in advanced surgical procedures for animals. His expertise spans a broad range of complex orthopedic and soft tissue surgeries. Services typically offered by a board-certified veterinary surgeon like Dr. Leshem include:

• Orthopedic Surgery: Specializing in conditions affecting bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons. This includes, but is not limited to:
  • Cruciate Ligament Repair (ACL/CCL): Such as TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) and other advanced techniques for knee stabilization. (As seen with Jerry's case).
  • Fracture Repair: Surgical stabilization of broken bones using various internal and external fixation methods.
  • Patellar Luxation Correction: Surgical correction of kneecap displacement.
  • Joint Surgeries: Addressing conditions like elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia (e.g., Femoral Head Ostectomy - FHO, Total Hip Replacement referrals), and other joint-related issues.
• Soft Tissue Surgery: Addressing conditions related to internal organs, skin, and other non-bone structures. This includes:
  • Laryngeal Paralysis Surgery: Corrective procedures for conditions affecting the larynx, improving breathing in affected breeds. (As seen with Yulee's case).
  • Tumor and Mass Removals: Surgical excision of cancerous or benign growths.
  • Abdominal Surgery: Procedures for conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract, spleen, liver, kidneys, etc.
  • Thoracic Surgery: Procedures involving the chest cavity, lungs, or heart.
  • Urogenital Surgery: Addressing issues related to the urinary and reproductive systems.
  • Reconstructive Surgery: Procedures to repair injuries or congenital defects.
• Advanced Diagnostics & Consultation: Thorough pre-surgical evaluations, including advanced imaging review (X-rays, CT scans, MRI interpretation), and comprehensive consultations with pet owners and referring veterinarians to determine the best course of action.
• Pain Management: Comprehensive pre-, intra-, and post-operative pain management protocols to ensure patient comfort and optimize recovery.
• Post-Operative Care & Rehabilitation Guidance: Providing detailed instructions for at-home care, monitoring, and recommending physical therapy or rehabilitation to ensure the best possible long-term outcomes.
• Referral Services: Working closely with primary care veterinarians to accept referrals for complex surgical cases, acting as an extension of the pet's regular veterinary team.

• Board-Certified Surgical Specialist (DACVS): This prestigious designation signifies extensive advanced training, rigorous examination, and a high level of expertise in veterinary surgery, offering pet owners the highest standard of surgical care.
• Exceptional Surgical Skill: As evidenced by successful outcomes for complex procedures like laryngeal paralysis and bilateral ACL tears, leading to pets resuming normal, active lives.
• Compassionate and Empathetic Approach: Dr. Leshem is consistently praised for being a "great listener," valuing "clients feelings and fears," and treating patients as if they were "our dog," fostering a true team approach.
• Prudent and Thoughtful Diagnostic Process: Demonstrated by his willingness to observe and wait for the best timing for surgery, rather than rushing into intervention, showcasing a patient-first philosophy.
• Clear Communication and Explanation: Provides thorough explanations and helps owners understand complex conditions and sensible prognoses, empowering them to make informed decisions.
• Trusted by Referring Veterinarians: Highly recommended by primary care vets, indicating a strong professional reputation within the veterinary community.
• Life-Changing Outcomes: Testimonials highlight that pets under his care return to "normalcy," "running and playing," and even resume important roles like being a "certified therapy dog," illustrating the significant positive impact of his work.
• Willingness to Travel for Excellence: Clients from areas like New Haven are willing to travel to Canton, affirming his reputation as a top surgical choice in Connecticut.

For consultations, surgical evaluations, or inquiries regarding Dr. Steve Leshem, DVM, DACVS, you can reach his practice using the following contact details:

Address: 135 Dowd Ave, Canton, CT 06019, USA

Phone: (860) 693-6992

Mobile Phone: +1 860-693-6992

It is highly recommended for Connecticut residents to contact the office directly to schedule a consultation or to discuss a referral from their primary veterinarian.

For pet owners in Canton, CT, and across the entire state of Connecticut, when faced with the daunting prospect of their beloved animal companion needing specialized surgery, Dr. Steve Leshem, DVM, DACVS, stands as an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended choice. His practice's accessible location on Dowd Avenue in Canton provides a convenient destination for those seeking expert surgical care without having to travel excessive distances. More importantly, the profound expertise of a board-certified veterinary surgeon means that your pet will receive the highest standard of specialized care, whether for complex orthopedic issues like ACL tears or critical soft tissue conditions such as laryngeal paralysis.

The overwhelming testimonials from grateful pet owners are the strongest endorsement. They consistently highlight Dr. Leshem's surgical excellence, compassionate demeanor, and ability to foster a true partnership with pet families, providing clear communication and sensible advice. These real-life stories of pets like Yulee and Jerry returning to full, active, and happy lives underscore the life-changing impact of his work. For Connecticut residents seeking an expert, empathetic, and highly skilled veterinary surgeon for their cherished pet, entrusting their care to Dr. Steve Leshem offers unparalleled peace of mind and the best possible chance for a successful outcome, making his practice a truly invaluable resource in the region.

Steve Leshem, DVM, DACVS

135 Dowd Ave, Canton, CT 06019, USA