Success Stories
Here is what past pet owners and referring family vets have said about Dr. Zeltzman’s services.
We appreciate your feedback.
Thank you for trusting us with your pet’s care. Please click below to leave us a five-star review on Google or Facebook if you’re satisfied with our work. We’re grateful for you sharing your experience with us.
JACK IS BACK TO NORMAL AFTER OPEN CHEST SURGERY
Jack, an 11 year old Jack Russell, had open chest surgery to remove a lung tumor. The biopsy showed it was cancer, which was attached to his rib. 2 weeks after surgery, his owner WD writes:
“Jack is back to his old self. Appetite is normal and he had never showed any sign of pain. (…) I’m happy we took out the tumor yet sad bc pathology showed it in his rib. I will enjoy whatever time we have left with him. Thank you for everything you all did for him. Dr. Zeltzman is my hero.”
AN AMAZING TRANSFORMATION – MOLLIE AND THE HUGE SPLEEN MASS
Mollie, a sweet 67 pound, 10 years Lab, had surgery to remove a mass on her spleen. It weighed 5 pounds! Fortunately, the biopsy report revealed the mass was benign. One month after surgery, her owner PN writes:
“We are very happy with our experience at LRVSS. Everyone has been helpful and pleasant. We really appreciate everything you’ve done for Mollie and our family! Mollie is completely back to her active, healthy, happy baseline. It has been an amazing transformation!”
Blue, a 12 year old Catahoula, had surgery to remove a liver mass. Statistically, most liver masses are cancer. As they grow, they can rupture and cause internal bleeding. But Blue’s biopsy showed a benign tumor (adenoma)! One month after surgery, her owner BE writes:
“Blue is doing very well! He is eager to jump up on the couch with us but we have been very successful in keeping him settled. Thank you again, for saving my dog’s life. We are so thankful for everyone’s expertise and care and to have Blue with us for more years to come. We are committed to helping him return to his former activities in a safe manner. Thank you“
Stella, a 6 year old Lab, had TPLO surgery to address a torn ACL.
6 months after surgery, her owner CBK writes:
“Our lab Stella had her surgery by Dr Zeltzman. We are extremely happy we made the decision for surgery. Stella is such a playful girl since her surgery.”
Cash, a 5 year Aussie, had TPLO surgery to address a torn ACL. His owner AH writes:
“The ENTIRE LRVSS team was absolutely outstanding during our boy’s surgery last week! The preop care and support provided throughout the entire process is so helpful and comforting. I especially appreciated the direct communication with Dr. Zeltzman on numerous occasions and the post-op pictures/recovery updates we received. The team’s wonderful communication really helped to ease our minds and allow us to feel comfortable during our boy’s stay. Kudos 👏🏼 LRVSS!!! AND THANK YOU!!!”
Korra, a super cute 1 year old Boston terrier, had surgery twice to repair her dislocated kneecaps. Her owner CO writes:
“Thank you all very much for the kindness you have shown us during this whole process and for the care you have given her. Working with you guys has been amazing and the communication from Kat has been phenomenal, the nurses taking care of her were amazing and thank you to Dr Zeltzman for what he did for her. It was a bit scary going into this the first time around not knowing if we did the right thing for her. We know now we did and you guys made things more at ease for us. So thank you all for what you do.
Korra says thank you as well and that she will be having a great summer once this is all healed.”
Rocket, a 9 month old kitten, had a hip fracture. It was addressed with a procedure called an FHO (Femoral Head Ostectomy). 3 months after surgery, his owner LS writes:
“Rocket has been doing fantastic! We haven’t had any issues with him wanting to walk or gain strength in his leg since the surgery, so I feel his rehab has gone very well! He loves to walk and hang out with his siblings! He takes the stairs well – he didn’t need encouragement to try them, he would just walk up with us. He truly has been a great patient through it all!
I truly cannot thank you all enough for the care you have given to Rocket!”
Gunner, a 6 year old German shepherd, needed a toe amputation because of a cancerous tumor. A few days after surgery, his owner CP writes:
“Gunner is doing well. We are following up on all his meds and keeping all activities on standby. His appetite is good, and his spirits are great. I feel in my heart his pain is gone, thanks to Dr. Zeltzman and his fantastic staff. Once again, thank you for all that you do.”
QUALITY OF LIFE IS BACK FOR TUCKER & SAMMI AFTER 4 TPLOS
Sammi, a 4-year-old shepherd mix, and Tucker, Tucker, a 3-year-old shepherd mix, collectively tore their ACLs, and each needed 2 TPLOs.
“Just wanted to update you on Tucker. He is back to his younger self. Running and playing… even smiling when he is outside. He has lost the weight he gained being less mobile and his back legs are getting back their muscle. Attached is a video of him playing with my son’s two dogs. Sammi was there too, running and playing.
I think we can call the 4 surgeries Dr. Zeltzman did for our dogs this year “a success”.
Thank you for giving our dogs back their quality of life.”
NO MORE SNORING FOR MOLLY
Molly, a 4 year old Bulldog, was struggling to breathe by day and snoring loudly by night. She had classic “brachycephalic syndrome. Her owner BT writes:
“Molly is doing great! NO MORE SNORING!! Our experience was great! Kat is wonderful, kept me informed, and answered all my questions. I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Zeltzman. He really, genuinely cares about these fur babies. Anyone who asks, I refer them to him. I don’t think anyone else could offer the same quality of care.”
TWO SUCCESSFUL SURGERIES FOR CHARLIE
Charlie, a now 12-year-old Cavachon, had 2 surgeries, 4 years apart. Four years ago, he had an ACL repair. Then this year, he fell and hurt the opposite back leg. An exam and X-rays showed that he dislocated his hip (which was treated with an FHO). His owner DZ writes:
“Dr. Phil Zeltzman is a very talented veterinary surgeon. He performed two surgeries for my dog, the first one was an ACL in 2018 and then in 2022 he did an emergency surgery after an injury. Doctor Zeltzman is very responsible, reliable, and a great surgeon. He is always explaining all the steps in detail to me during this difficult process. Additionally, he always makes sure to follow up. He really cares about the pets he works with and he put me at ease through these stressful times.”
I have been referring surgery patients to Dr Zeltzman for over 12 years. I trust him tremendously with my patients and clients. I know when I refer patients to Dr Zeltzman that they will get the best surgical outcome. He takes excellent care of his clients as well. I have never met an individual who will work harder for his patients than Dr Zeltzman.
COMMENTS FROM A REFERRING VET
I have personally known Dr. Phil Zeltzman for almost 15 years. His meticulous surgical technique, along with scrupulous attention to detail and sterility, makes him the consummate surgeon’s surgeon. My complete faith in his knowledge and ability allows me to recommend him to my clients without reservation. Included among the many patients I have referred to him are my own pets.
COMMENTS FROM A REFERRING VET
LRVSS is a practice that holds trust, value and quality. Any surgery that appears to be out of my realm that needs expert surgical hands gets placed in the care of Dr. Phil Zeltzman and his surgical team. I have had the honor of knowing Dr. Zeltzman for 7 years now and am grateful to have him as a resource for my clients to use. I will continue to refer to LRVSS because they schedule patients for surgery in a timely manner, they offer different surgical options, the postop care can be done locally, and the communication is excellent. Thank you for always being there for me, my clients and their animals.
“THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES” AFTER MADELINE’S SURGERY
But her story is quite extraordinary, and are her owners.
You can read about her full story here:
https://www.drphilzeltzman.com/blog/how-madeline-got-a-new-lease-on-life/
Short version: Madeline had a cancerous tumor preventing her from peeing. We removed the mass and, anticipating it would come back, we placed a special tube in her bladder to empty her urine.
This allowed her to be a 4-year cancer survivor.
Her owner BE writes:
“We want to thank you for everything you have done for Madeline. You truly are a godsend as you gave us the most valuable thing in the world, time. Madeline lived 11 years. You gave us 4 of the best years of our lives. We cannot thank you enough because she was our world. We are so appreciative of everything you do, not only for Madeline but for every pet in need. Although today is extremely sad, we know Madeline lived life to the fullest. We want you to know that your selfless work does not go unnoticed.”
Dozer, a 7 year old Lab, had ACL issues. He had his first TPLO in 2020. Exactly 3 years later, the had a TPLO on the opposite side. 4 months after his second surgery, his owner ML writes:
“Dozer is doing great. It was a rough winter with him, because he likes the cold, and I don’t, but we got through it. He has been doing great on his long leash walks.
Thank you, Kat and everyone that cared for our Dozer.”
Bandit, a sweet 6 year old mini Aussie, had surgery to remove a cancerous mass in the intestine. His owner CB writes:
“Bandit runs around like normal, wants to play, enjoys looking for rabbits (and chipmunks and birds) in the yard.
Communication was good at Lehigh Regional, both verbal and written information. I knew what was going on and my questions were answered. The follow-up was appreciated. Although Bandit had to have surgery (who wants that!), the surgery was a success and prevented future problems. Glad you were there.”
MARLIE, A LARYNGEAL PARALYSIS PATIENT, TURNS 15!!!
Marlie, a 13 year old Lab, was suffocating because of laryngeal paralysis. We performed surgery (tie back) to allow her to breathe again. Two and a half years later, her amazing owner JP writes:
“I just wanted to give you a happy update! You performed lar par surgery on our Marlie two and a half years ago. Today we are thrilled to be able to celebrate her 15th birthday!
Thank you again for these extra years with her. She is truly the smartest and kindest pup I have ever known. And so loved. She’s definitely showing her age now, but breathing easy. Each day is a gift.
Thank you for saving her for us. We will never forget what you and your amazing staff did for us! You are all the BEST!”
FREYA CELEBRATES HER ANNIVERSARY WITH GRACE
Freya, a 4 year old, 60 lb Lab mix, had severe hip dysplasia. She had 2 surgeries (FHOs) to deal with it.
About 18 months after her first surgery, and exactly 1 year after the 2nd, her owner JK writes:
“Wanted to share this photo with you, Freya jumped up here today on her own. I’d say it’s about 3.5’ high. I didn’t think she’d ever be able to scale it again post surgery but she did, and I saw the twinkle of confidence in her eye right before she jumped. Look how proud she is! She’s doing so great! “
MECO IS BACK TO HUNTING AFTER HIS TPLO
Meco, a now 3 year old Lab, had TPLO surgery to address a torn ACL. About a year later, his owner MS writes:
“Almost exactly one year ago Meco had ACL surgery. Not only was it hard on Meco, but it was difficult for me because we missed out on pheasant season. But with lots of patience, healing, love, and some amazing veterinarians, we were back out as a team and crushed it! He was a natural, flushed 8 birds. I was a little rusty with the shooting but was able to bring some some dinner! I would like to thank Lehigh Regional Veterinary Surgical Specialty and White Haven Veterinary Hospital for all their staff and Doctors to get us back to the fields.”
Ellie, a 5 year old Lab, had 2 TPLO surgeries to address tears in both her ACLs, 6 months apart. Amazingly, 11 years later, her owner NG writes:
“You always remain in our hearts. You skilfully performed the TPLO procedure on Ellie -twice – with excellent results. You provided her with an amazing quality of life. She lived past 16 years. Always grateful.”
LUKAS, LIVING HIS BEST LIFE AFTER ELBOW SURGERY
Lukas, a 6 month old German shepherd, had elbow surgery to remove a big piece of bone (“UAP”, aka elbow dysplasia). 11 years after surgery, his owner ST writes:
“It’ll be almost 11 years since you did Lukas’ elbow. And he’s doing tremendous with it. It’s just his hips that we are dealing with now. But he is living his best life at 11 1/2. For that I am eternally grateful to you.”
AMAZING RECOVERY FROM TPLO SURGERY
Meco, a 2 year old Lab, had TPLO surgery to address a torn ACL.
Almost a year later, his owner MS writes:
“Thank you and your amazing staff for taking care of our pup and an amazing recovery from TPLO surgery.”
Rocket, a 9 month old kitten, had a hip fracture. It was addressed with a surgery called an FHO (Femoral Head Ostectomy). One year after surgery, his owner LS writes:
“Rocket is doing AMAZING! Lives up to his name zooming around this house! He also continues to do his leg stretches!
Thanks again for all you’ve done for him!
He definitely has not skipped a beat and there is no other team I’d trust with my fur babies!”
Maximus, a 1 year old, 125 lb Great Pyrenees mix, had massive drooling. It goes with the breed, but it was just too much for his owners. He had surgery of the lips (twice) to create a “dam” and allow him to swallow his own saliva.
One month after surgery, his owner AA writes:
“All is well. He recovered very well and we are happy with the results. I would have to say 95% improvement. We are all extremely happy. Thank you for helping us and putting up with our not so co-operative pooch. Thank you all again.”
FROM SUFFOCATING TO BUBBLY AND GOOFY – EVE HAD LARYNGEAL PARALYSIS
Eve, a 10-year-old Lab, was suffocating and panting because of laryngeal paralysis. She had a tie-back surgery and recovered well. Her owner PD writes:
“Eve is doing amazing! (…)
Earlier this week, I let all of the dogs out for their morning potty. Beau & Penni ran to the back fence with Eve close behind them. They smelled critters in the field. The 3 of them RAN back and forth across the back yard 3 or 4 times… Eve was the last to come back to the deck and she was NOT panting at all! I was shocked!!
Yesterday, we went on a group walk for the first time since her surgery. She did soooo good. Panted a bit during the walk, but NO panting once we got back to the car.
She is absolutely bubbly and goofy! When we come home, she actually does the happy bouncing/turning thing that some dogs do.
I have learned that Eve is a “panter.” She pants when upset, nervous, excited, happy… But I remind myself of what you told me… As long as she recovers quickly, we should be OK.”
GRANPA BRODI GETS A NEW CHIN
Brodi, a 14 year old miniature poodle, had a big mass on his chin. After it was removed, his owner LM writes:
“My overall experience was great. Everyone was very nice, helpful and professional! The surgeon did a great job! All of which are hard to find nowadays! Thank you!”
COMMENTS FROM A REFERRING VET
I have referred my patients to Dr. Zeltzman for about 7 years for specialty surgeries. He is an experienced, reliable and companionate surgeon, who I trusted to perform surgery on my own dog. I highly recommend him and his team to take care of your pets!
DOUBLE TPLOS FOR SOPHIE
Sophie, a 2-year-old Pit mix, had a TPLO to address a torn ACL, then a second one of the other side. Her owner AH writes:
“Our 2-year-old Pitbull/Boxer mix Sophie tore her right CCL last year. I was so nervous what the future would look like for her since she was so active. I had received information from the emergency vet I went to about Dr. Zeltzman and his team, so I gave him a call. Dr. Zeltzman returned my call himself and asked me to tell him about my sweet Sophie and what had happened. He then sent me in the direction of his assistant, Kat who was just as caring. She explained everything in great detail about what to expect in the coming weeks ahead. I could call her with any questions or concerns I had. After repairing her right leg, we noticed her left CCL had also torn which is common with these types of tears.
I’m so glad that for both of the surgeries she was with Dr. Zeltzman and his team. They are angels and I couldn’t have asked for a better surgeon for our girl. With the guidance of Zeltzman she healed perfectly. He set the expectation that we would get her “as close to normal” as possible as long as we followed his instructions. I’m so glad we did. She is back to being active and doing what she loves. She is now 4 years old and still has the zoomies and plays with her fur cousins.
I can’t thank Dr. Zeltzman and his team enough for all they did for our girl.”
A ROYAL STORY: “SMARTEST MOVES I’VE MADE”
Royal, a 3-year-old Greyhound, was facing amputation when I met her. His owner JK writes:
“I adopted Royal, a retired racing greyhound, in 2011, at age 3. She’d broken her knee in a race collision with another dog. She had surgery to repair the break but no physical therapy to strengthen the leg. Shortly after I adopted her, she stopped using that leg. Two veterinarians recommended amputation, as she could not put weight on it at all and carried the leg high against her right side.
I consulted with Dr. Zeltzman, who recommended stem cell therapy as an alternative to amputation. In February of 2012, Dr. Zeltzman performed the stem cell procedure. As you can see from the video, just a few weeks later, Royal was walking normally on all four legs. She’s now 14 and, although she has some arthritis pain, she’s still using all four legs.
https://www.facebook.com/janine.kressler/videos/3355120442941/?
Consulting with Dr. Zeltzman was one of the smartest moves I’ve ever made.”