How we work with you and your local vet We believe that close communication between us and your local vet is essential in achieving the best care.
Melbourne Animal Referral Services (MARS)
MARS was founded in 2021 by two of Melbourne’s leading specialist surgeons, Dr Ricky Cashmore and Dr Adrian Wallace. Ricky and Adrian have had a strong presence in the metro and regional referral scene via their previous companies, Veterinary Specialist Surgery Australia (VSSA) and Mobile Surgical Solutions (MSS).
Our goal
The principal goal of MARS is to provide the highest standard of specialist care from within your local veterinary practice.
We strive to maintain an accessible, affordable and convenient service that reduces stress for families and their much-loved pets.
We work closely with your local vet practice to deliver the best possible outcome for each and every patient. The cornerstone of this collegial relationship is exceptional levels of communication.
What is a Specialist Surgeon?
Diplomates of the European and American Colleges of Veterinary Surgeons (DipECVS, DipACVS) and Fellows of the Australian New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (FANZCVS) can all register as specialists in Small Animal Surgery in Victoria.
In order to obtain these qualifications, candidates will have typically completed an internship(s) followed by a rigorous three to four year residency training program at an approved centre. During the residency program, all aspects of case management are supervised and critiqued by Specialist Surgeons acting as supervisors to residents. Surgical logs must be completed and minimum case numbers achieved for different conditions.
In order to be eligible to sit exams, candidates must also fulfil minimum criteria for presentations at conferences and publications. The exam process itself involves written, practical and case based examinations. The exams are challenging with a low pass rate and success mandates a long period of study and detailed knowledge of the surgical literature.
Candidates that have passed the exams have fulfilled all these criteria so you can be assured they have been exposed to an extremely robust training program and a demanding examination process. Only then can an individual apply with the state board to be recognized as a specialist. This ensures they are truly experts in their field.
Why should I use a Specialist?
In some instances, your pet’s injury or illness could benefit from the expertise and experience of a specialist.
Using a specialist in addition to your trusted veterinarian maximises the chances of success. The familiarity of your pet’s regular clinic and staff ensures the least stressful experience possible for both you and your pet.
Your veterinarian will help guide you through the decision making process in deciding if specialist treatment is indicated for your pet or not.