Dr. Randy Fitch

 

Randall Fitch, DVM, MS

Dr. Fitch received his DVM degree from University of Wisconsin then completed a small animal medicine and surgery internship at Washington State University followed by a small animal surgery residency at Auburn University. He was retained as a research fellow in orthopedics for Scott-Ritchey Research Center before entering a faculty position in small animal orthopedics at Louisiana State University. Following four years as an Assistant Professor at Louisiana State University he was offered a position at Colorado State University in which he served on faculty before leaving for private practice in 2003. During his academic tenure he received multiple teaching and research awards in small animal orthopedic and neurologic surgery.

Dr. Fitch’s has authored and coauthored over 35 scientific articles and book contributions. His Masters Degree research focused on the canine stifle (knee), in particular the specific anatomic factors that may predispose the stifle to cranial cruciate ligament injury and its impact on treatment. These initial efforts in the canine stifle were expanded to juvenile bone and joint diseases, wound healing and the use of advanced diagnostics in orthopedic diagnosis (radiology, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging) leading the way to a clinical focus on muscle and tendon injuries of the dog. This focus on advanced diagnostics later evolved into the implementation of detailed arthroscopic evaluation to identify, better understand and treat conditions of the stifle, shoulder and elbow. Throughout his career he has continued his clinical interest in hip dysplasia including a three article series evaluating the triple pelvic osteotomy. This interest in hip and pelvic injury evolved into a biomechanical evaluation of the canine pelvis with a particular interest in canine pelvic fractures. Other areas of related clinical interest and publication include advanced treatment of cervical disk disease, diskospondylitis and sacral fractures. He has been involved in clinical research and teaching of arthroscopy and interlocking nail fixation, and continues to lecture nationally and internationally.

Currently, Dr. Fitch’s clinical research interests include canine stifle injuries, sports medicine, fracture repair, surgical spinal cord disease, shoulder instability, arthroscopy, elbow dysplasia, angular limb deformities (correctable abnormal limb alignment), and juvenile bone and joint disease. He has put forth considerable effort in enhancing client services and improving patient outcomes through teamwork with owners. This includes devices that facilitate recovery and enhance the client experience. He is actively committed to improving diagnosis, advancing better treatments, and providing better pain control and compassion care for our pets.

American College of Veterinary Surgeons