
RCVS & EBVS® Specialist in Small Animal Surgery
Diplomate, European College of Small Animal Surgery
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation
Diplomate, European College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation
Dr Guthrie is one of the most highly qualified veterinarians in Europe and the only veterinarian in the UK to be a Diplomate (veterinary equivalent of human consultant surgeon) in both small animal surgery (orthopaedics, soft tissue and neurosurgery) and canine sports medicine and rehabilitation.
Dr James Guthrie BVM&S CertAVP(GSAS) PgCertVBM CCRT DipECVS DipACVSMR DipECVSMR FRSB FRSA MRCVS
James treats dogs and cats at a specialist veterinary hospital in Surrey; Fitzpatrick Referrals (the site of Channel 4’s ‘The Supervet’). His clinical passion is to maximise patient outcomes with minimally invasive surgery coupled with regenerative medicine and rehabilitation therapies, by using the latest advancements in medical technology.
What do all those letters mean?
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Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery
This recognises the 5 year university degree to become a veterinarian. James graduated from The University of Edinburgh in 2010 and was recognised with an award as the best student of his class in veterinary orthopaedics.
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Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (General Small Animal Surgery)
He then undertook two internships and worked in general practice for a couple of years treating dogs and cats with a myriad of health conditions. During this time he achieved the RCVS Certificate in Surgery.
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Certificate in Veterinary Business Management
As James’ career has advanced he has become increasingly interested in leadership and organisational strategy, steering him to further his knowledge by completing this postgraduate qualification with The University of Liverpool.
James is also currently enrolled on an MBA.
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Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist
Multiple trips to the USA to complete training modules with the faculty of the Canine Rehabilitation Institute. This consisted of practical training in physiotherapy and advanced modalities to aid dogs recover from musculoskeletal, neurological, and respiratory pathology.
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Diplomate of the European College of Small Animal Surgery
Diplomate status is the highest clinical qualification a veterinarian can obtain. Three years of intensive full time training and rigorous examinations. Covering soft tissue surgery (cardiothoracic, gastrointestinal, urogenital, ENT, oncology and reconstruction), orthopaedics, and neurosurgery. The ECVS represent the highest standards of surgical expertise for animals.
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Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation
Canine Sports Medicine encompasses any condition or consideration that affects the ability of a dog to exercise.
The specialty was developed to meet the unique needs of athletic and working animals as well as all animals in need of rehabilitation.
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Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation
James has recognition by both the American and European Colleges. James is a board member for the ECVSMR and works to prepare the stringent examinations for future candidates.
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Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology
As a Fellow, James is recognised as having achieved distinction in the fields of biological research, teaching or the application of biology.
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Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts
Where world-leading ideas are turned into world-changing actions. The aim of the society is to work on societal challenges where we can lead, provoke and drive impact. James has seen the significant impact dogs can have on enriching the lives of people with various disabilities and health needs. James hopes to work with the Society to increase the availability of access to trained canine companions to more families who could benefit from their incredible talents.
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Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
This is the licence to practice veterinary medicine in the United Kingdom. The RCVS sets, upholds and advances the educational, ethical and clinical standards of veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses.
Surgery
Dr. Guthrie is at the forefront of advanced surgical techniques, specialising in cutting-edge procedures that significantly enhance the quality of life for dogs & cats. With a high case load that spans a broad spectrum of conditions, James excels in the routine and unusual surgical cases. Utilising minimally invasive techniques, arthroscopy, ligament reconstruction, joint resurfacing, custom patient-specific implant design, and complex trauma reconstruction.
Reparative Medicine & Rehabilitation
Dedicated to restoring and enhancing the health and mobility of animals through both surgery and non-invasive treatments. With a focus on regenerative therapies, James utilises advanced techniques such as stem cell therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, and shockwave therapy to accelerate healing and promote tissue repair. Additionally, Dr. Guthrie integrates customised orthotics, physiotherapy, and hydrotherapy into comprehensive treatment plans, offering a holistic approach to rehabilitation.
Training & Education
“Grateful to all those who have, and continue, to teach me to become a better veterinarian, I am enthused to continue to pass on the knowledge I have gained.”
James trains the next generation of Specialist Surgeons as they complete Residency and Internship programmes at Fitzpatrick Referrals. He is a Guest Lecturer and Clinical Instructor Mentor at the University of Surrey.
James has lectured and shared research results at international and national conferences; along with producing a number of digital Webinars.
James is a board member and co-coordinates the educational conferences for the British Veterinary Orthopaedic Association (BVOA).
In addition to this James is a board member of the ECVSMR, sitting on the Examination Committee.
Presenting & Webinars
”Sharing is caring”
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October 2024 ECVSMR Conference – ‘Technique for subcutaneous adipose tissue extraction from cranial to the manubrium to produce autologous mesenchymal stem cells and clinical outcome in 39 dogs’ Guthrie, J.W.
July 2024 ECVS Conference – Poster presentation. ‘Surgical management of ectrodactyly with pancarpal arthrodesis and reconstruction podoplasty: 2 cases’ Guthrie, J.W.
July 2024 ECVS Conference – Poster presentation. ‘Stabilisation of medial tibiotalar short collateral ligament rupture with an ‘InternalBrace™’ technique in two dogs Guthrie, J.W., et al.
April 2017 BSAVA Conference – ‘Feline total hip replacement: Case Series’ Guthrie, J.W. & Fitzpatrick, N.
September 2016 ESVOT Conference – Poster presentation. ‘Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy Locking-Compression Plates for the Stabilisation of Canine and Feline Ilial Body Fractures’ Guthrie, J.W., et al.
March 2014 VOS Conference – Poster presentation. ‘Hemipelvic and proximal femoral limb salvage endoprosthesis with tendon ingrowth’ Fitzpatrick, N. & Guthrie, J.W.
April 2011 BVOA Annual Society Meeting – ‘Effect of signalment on the presentation of canine patients suffering from cranial cruciate ligament disease’ Guthrie, J.W., et al.
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January 2025 Online Webinar – Canine Arthroscopy: How to perform keyhole surgery for the elbow, shoulder, and stifle (Webinar Vet)
October 2024 Online Webinar – Canine Musculoskeletal Disorders: Focus on the Working Dog (VetPD)
May 2024 Lecture for Referring Vets – TPLO, Rehabilitation, Osteoarthritis (Surrey, UK)
March 2024 BVOA Annual Spring Conference – Introduction to Canine Sports Medicine (Manchester, UK)
March 2024 Online Webinar – External Skeletal Fixation for Fracture Repair (Webinar Vet)
February 2024 Online Webinar – Canine Muscle & Tendon Injuries (Webinar Vet)
January 2024 Online Webinar – MSK Disorders in Working Dogs (Onlinepethealth)
January 2024 OnlineWebinar – How patient history can help localise lameness (CPD Solutions)
January 2024 Online Webinar – A Morning at the Theatre (Onlinepethealth)
January 2024 Online Webinar – How patient history can help localise lameness (Onlinepethealth)
November 2023 World Extreme Medicine Annual Conference – MSK Disorders in Search & Rescue Dogs (Edinburgh, UK)
November 2023 OnlineWebinar – Developmental Elbow Disease (Webinar Vet )
November 2023 OnlineWebinar – Orthopaedic Radiography (CPD Solutions)
November 2023 OnlineWebinar – Developmental Elbow Disease (CPD Solutions)
October 2023 NARCH Hydrotherapy Conference – A Morning at the Theatre (Surrey, UK)
June 2023 Online Live Webinar – MSK Disorders in Search & Rescue Dogs (World Extreme Medicine)
June & July 2023 OnlineMini-Series Webinar – Basic Fracture Fixation (CPD Solutions)
November 2022 Online Webinar – MSK Disorders in Working Dogs (Webinar Vet)
October 2022 ECVSMR Conference – MSK Disorders in Working Dogs (Pula, Croatia)
October 2022 NARCH Hydrotherapy Conference – MSK Disorders in Working Dogs (Surrey, UK)
May 2022 VET Festival – Rehabilitation stream – Pathogenesis and surgical options for CCL rupture (Surrey, UK)
2017-present Lecturer (visiting) University of Surrey – 4th year students, Orthopaedic Surgery (Surrey, UK)
August 2019 Online Webinar – Case-based approach to the canine carpus and digits (CPD Solutions)
July 2019 Lecture for Referring Vets – Carpal conundrums and tricky toes (Surrey, UK)
2013-present In-house lectures for Specialists, Residents, Interns, Nurses, Auxiliaries @ Fitzpatrick Referrals (Surrey, UK)
Research & Publications
”It all starts with an idea”
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Fitzpatrick, N., Guthrie, J.W., & Hamilton, M.H. (2024) External skeletal fixation for the treatment of pelvic fractures in cats. Veterinary Surgery; 1-23
Guthrie, J.W. (2024) Minimally invasive dorsal transarticular tibio-metatarsal plate for temporary hock immobilisation. Vet Rec Cas Rep e847
Guthrie, J.W. & Venzo, G. (2023) Canine carpal coalition. Vet Rec Cas Rep 11:e625
Sellier, C., Dosal, M., Guthrie, J.W. & Fitzpatrick, N. (2020) Correction of pes varus using a dome saw blade to create a true spherical osteotomy in a Miniature Dachshund dog. JAVMA 257(6); 624-630
Guthrie, J.W. & Fitzpatrick, N. (2019) Single-stage Revision of an Infected Total Hip Replacement using Antibiotic-impregnated Bioabsorbale Beads in a Canine Patient. VCOT Open 02(01); e5-e12
Fitzpatrick, N. & Guthrie, J.W. (2018) Hemipelvic and proximal femoral limb salvage endoprosthesis with tendon ongrowth in a dog. Veterinary Surgery 47; 963–969
Guthrie, J.W. & Fitzpatrick, N. (2018) Surgical Management of Cervical Vertebral Fractures in Two Dogs with Severe Concurrent Vertebral Venous Plexus Haemorrhage. VCOT Open 01(01); e1-e7
Guthrie, J.W. & Kalff, S. (2018) Tibial plateau levelling osteotomy locking‐compression plates for stabilisation of canine and feline ilial body fractures. JSAP 59; 232-237
Bruno, E.A., Guthrie, J.W., Ellwood, S.A., Mellanby, R.J. & Clements, D.N. (2015) Global Positioning System Derived Performance Measures Are Responsive Indicators of Physical Activity, Disease and the Success of Clinical Treatments in Domestic Dogs. PLOS ONE 10(2); e0117094
Guthrie, J.W., May, C., Bright, S., Maddock, E. & Keeley, B.J. (2012) Effect of signalment on the presentation of canine patients suffering from cranial cruciate ligament disease. JSAP 53; 273-277
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Dycus, D., Markely, A., Guthrie, J., Lane, D., Christie, K. Disorders of the Canine Thoracic Limb: Diagnosis and Treatment. In: Canine Sports Medicine (Third Edition) Zink, C. & VanDyke, J. Wiley-Blackwell Publishing. In Press
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Vet Times - Diagnosing soft tissue canine shoulder injuries
Vet Times: Referral Special 2024 - Faces of referral - Meet the specialists (Canine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation)
Vet Times - Treatments for musculoskeletal disorders in active working dogs
https://www.vettimes.co.uk/article/treatments-for-musculoskeletal-disorders-in-active-working-dogs/
Vet Times: Referral Special 2023 - Fitzpatrick Referrals - Dr James Guthrie
Vet Record Careers - Q&A: James Guthrie on specialising in small animal surgery
https://www.vetrecordjobs.com/myvetfuture/article/james-guthrie-small-animal-surgery-specialist/
Canine Arthritis Management - Facebook Live - Dr James Guthrie discusses all things related to elbow osteoarthritis