Advanced Surgical Care for Your Pet
Why Choose Our Surgery Team?
Expert surgical care for pets throughout Wisconsin and beyond. Our board-certified small animal surgeons provide advanced procedures in orthopedics, soft tissue, neurosurgery, and trauma, ensuring the best possible outcome for your pet.
Why See a Board-Certified Veterinary Surgeon?
When your pet needs a complex procedure—from a torn ligament to tumor removal or emergency trauma care—specialized surgical expertise can make all the difference. Our surgeons bring years of intensive training to manage intricate surgeries and post-operative recovery.
Advanced Training and Expertise
Our surgeons are Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (DACVS). This credential signifies completion of a multi-year surgical residency, publication of research, and passing a rigorous examination, ensuring the highest standard of surgical skill.
Specialized Diagnostic & Treatment Tools
Our department has access to advanced imaging (CT, MRI), arthroscopy for minimally invasive joint exploration, state-of-the-art anesthesia monitoring, and a 24-hour hospital for continuous post-operative care.
Tailored Treatment Plans
We develop a surgical and pain management plan unique to your pet's condition, overall health, and your family's needs, always focusing on restoring function and quality of life.
Collaborative Care Approach
We work closely with your primary veterinarian and other specialists—including internal medicine, oncology, neurology, and radiology—to ensure your pet receives comprehensive, seamless care.
Meet our Surgical Staff:
If you add together an interest in science and a love of animals, Dr. John Silbernagel is the end result. “I grew up on a North Dakota ranch with a lot of animals,” Silbernagel says. “And even though I initially planned to work with large animals, I fell in love with surgery, which guided me to where I am today.”
Dr. Silbernagel graduated from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, and completed his residency at the University Of Illinois College Of Veterinary Medicine in small animal surgery. He worked at 24-hour-a-day hospitals and referral centers in Illinois, and Indiana. He later moved to Wisconsin and opened a specialty and emergency care facility several years prior to founding Madison Veterinary Specialists.
Dr. Silbernagel is a board-certified small animal surgeon, and a member of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, Veterinary Orthopedic Society, American Veterinarian Medical Association, Wisconsin-VMA, and Dane County-VMA. He appreciates the collaboration found at multi-specialty emergency facilities which “offer the highest level of care to clients and their pets by allowing different disciplines to consult with each other on the same case.”
When not working, Dr. Silbernagel can often be found spending time with family — camping, biking, skiing, or enjoying other outdoor activities. He also considers himself a “foodie,” and enjoys cooking up new recipes in the kitchen.
Dr. Shriwise obtained her undergraduate degree in Zoology at UW-Madison before taking a year off to live in California and work with sea otters at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. After confirming her love for the field of animal care, she returned to get her veterinary degree through UW-Madison. She then completed a one-year rotating internship at NC-State (where she earned the “Intern of the Year” award), and came back to the UW-Madison for her three-year small animal surgical residency (where she also earned the “Resident of the Year” award). During internship and residency, she was involved with research on pain management and diagnosis, a novel surgery for correction of chylothorax, and fracture complications.
After finishing residency in 2019, Dr. Shriwise worked at MedVet Chicago, a large specialty center in Chicago. She then relocated back to Madison with her husband and two children and started at MVS in October 2022. She loves all surgeries, but especially enjoys thoracic procedures, minimally invasive options including laparoscopy and arthroscopy, surgical oncology, and soft tissue reconstructive surgeries.
When not doing surgery, Dr. Shriwise enjoys playing Ultimate frisbee, climbing, doing pottery, and spending time with her family – including a 16-year-old Rottweiler mix named Monk.
Dr. Tuttle completed his undergraduate at Iowa State University receiving a Bachelors of Science in Animal Science in 1997 and a Bachelors of Science in Zoology in 2001. He obtained is Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine with honors from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2005. Following graduation from Veterinary School he completed a one year rotating Medicine and Surgical Internship at Michigan State University. Beginning in 2006 he began and completed a three year Surgical Residency at The University of Wisconsin-Madison.
During his residency he not only had intense training in Veterinary Surgery but also received advanced training in Anesthesia, Radiology, Clinical pathology, and Internal Medicine and Critical Care. He also was responsible for the teaching and training of veterinary students during this time. In 2010 he received his Board Certification from the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.
In 2009 he began a position at The Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center located in Overland Park, KS where he worked as a Veterinary Surgeon as part of a busy specialty hospital until taking a position with the Animal Emergency and Specialty Center in 2014 where he continued to perform duties as a Board Certified Veterinary Surgeon. He joined us here at MVS in August, 2017 and is happy to be back in Madison! Dr. Tuttle performs Orthopedic, Soft Tissue, and Neurologic surgery with special interest in Oncologic Surgery and Soft Tissue Reconstruction.
Conditions & Procedures We Treat
Our surgical team manages a comprehensive range of complex cases requiring specialized expertise.
Orthopedic Surgery
Cruciate Ligament Repair: Advanced procedures including Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO).
Fracture Repair: Management of complex and traumatic bone injuries.
Joint Surgery: Procedures like femoral head osteotomy (FHO), arthroscopy, and angular limb deformity correction.
Soft Tissue & Reconstructive Surgery
Oncologic Surgery: Comprehensive removal of tumors and masses.
Wound Management: Repair of large lacerations and surgical treatment of non-healing wounds.
Abdominal & Thoracic Surgery: Including correction of GDV (bloat), vascular shunt ligation, and exploration.
Neurological Surgery
Spinal Surgery: Procedures for herniated discs (IVDD) and stabilization of spinal injuries or fractures.
Emergency & Trauma Surgery
Immediate surgical intervention for critical injuries, including severe wounds, internal bleeding, and other life-threatening conditions.
Advanced Surgical Procedures
Our team performs a wide array of specialized surgeries, supported by the latest technology and techniques.
Minimally Invasive Surgery (Arthroscopy)
Using a small camera to visualize, diagnose, and treat problems inside a joint, leading to less post-operative discomfort.
Advanced Fracture Repair & Reconstruction
Utilizing specialized plates, screws, and external fixators to stabilize complex fractures and correct limb deformities.
Oncologic & Reconstructive Surgery
Aiming for wide-margin removal of cancerous masses, often followed by advanced reconstructive techniques to restore form and function.
Comprehensive Pain Management
A multi-modal approach including epidurals, regional nerve blocks, and 24-hour monitoring to ensure your pet’s comfort before, during, and after surgery.
Preparing for Your Appointment
To help us prepare the best possible plan for your pet, please:
Bring all relevant medical records, X-rays, or test results from your primary veterinarian.
Bring any current medications and your pet's medical records.
Be prepared to discuss your pet's symptoms and your goals for their care and recovery.
Questions before your visit? Our surgery team is available at surgery@mvsvets.com
Home Care Tips for Post-Surgical Recovery
A successful recovery depends on careful post-operative care at home. Key tips include:
Adhere to leash walking and crate rest instructions. Prevent running, jumping, and playing for the prescribed period (often 8-12 weeks for procedures like TPLO).
Keep the surgical site clean, dry, and monitor for redness, swelling, or discharge. Follow our specific guides for [Cast & Bandage Home Care](link to your PDF).
A gradual return to normal eating, drinking, and temperament are positive signs of healing.
Administer all prescribed medications on schedule and monitor your pet's comfort level.
Commit to prescribed physical therapy exercises. Our [TPLO Rehabilitation Guide](link to your PDF) provides a structured recovery roadmap.
Ready to Help Your Pet Heal?
If your pet needs advanced surgical care for an injury, orthopedic condition, or complex mass removal, our team is here to help. Many pet owners travel from throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, and the greater Midwest to access our board-certified surgical expertise in Madison.
At Madison Veterinary Specialists, we understand that surgery can be a stressful experience. Our board-certified surgeons and dedicated team are committed to providing compassionate, precise care—from consultation through recovery—to help your pet return to a happy, active life.