Dr. Erick Egger
Dr. Erick Egger has been a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) since 1982 and has dedicated his career to advancing small animal orthopedic surgery. A graduate of Colorado State University, he completed his internship at Purdue University and his residency and graduate training at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Throughout his distinguished career in private referral practice, Dr. Egger has developed expertise in external fracture fixation, fracture healing, and total joint replacement.
Beyond his many professional accomplishments, Dr. Egger is known as an exceptional mentor and educator. As a past Colorado State University Professor, he has devoted his life to sharing his knowledge and experience with generations of veterinary surgeons, researchers, teachers, and students. His guiding philosophy, "the question is more important than the answer" has inspired countless colleagues to think critically, strive for excellence, and continue learning. To those fortunate enough to train with him, Dr. Egger exemplifies what it means to be a teacher, leader, and lifelong mentor.
After retiring as a professor at CSU he moved to Steamboat Springs Colorado. He found that there was a local need in the veterinary community for an orthopedic surgeon. He stepped up to the challenge and now works independently in conjunction with many clinics in the area, his days at Steamboat Veterinary Hospital are historically Monday’s. His consults are by referral only where he uses his expert opinion to determine if surgery is necessary, if there are alternative treatment options or if a patient needs to be referred further to the front range. We are very fortunate to have him work alongside us, and very grateful he fills the need we have in this community.
Different types of Orthopedic Surgeries
Tibial Plateau Leveling Ostectomy (TPLO)
TPLO’s are a surgery performed on dogs to stabilize the stifle joint after ruptures of the cranial cruciate ligament which is the equivalent to the ACL in humans.
Arthrodesis
Arthrodesis is the surgical fusion of the joint to prevent movement in severe cases of arthritis or severely broken bones that can not be repaired.
Fractures
Fractures are typically classified as either “open” or “closed.” An open fracture occurs when the skin over the fracture is open and the bone is exposed, while with closed fractures, the skin over the affected area remains intact. There are also different variations of those classifications of fractures. Fracture repairs are a surgical process in which pins and plates are used to stabilize the bone while it heals.
*** Dr. Egger performs various other surgeries as well, these are just our most common procedures. If you have questions or believe your pet needs to see an orthopedic specialist please call us and schedule an appointment with one of our doctors first, thank you!!! ***