Listen to Dr. Seth Kettleman's Appearance on the Vet Med Cast
Dr. Seth Kettleman is a board-certified small animal surgeon at the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Animal Emergency & Referral Center (AERC) in Flowood, who is especially interested in orthopedic surgery. Restoring mobility and improving the quality of life for his patients is at the heart of his work. Dr. Kettleman treats a range of conditions from fractures to joint injuries with a primary focus on cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), commonly known as the ACL in human medicine.
While orthopedic cases are predominantly seen in dogs, Dr. Kettleman notes that cats also require specialized care, though they are generally less frequent visitors to the operating room. “Regardless of the species, helping patients return to their previous activity level or enabling them to have a more enjoyable life is very rewarding to me; I love what I do.”
A native of Ridgeland, MS, Dr. Kettleman’s career in veterinary medicine has deep roots at MSU. After earning his undergraduate degree in biological sciences and completing veterinary school at Mississippi State, he pursued additional training at the University of Missouri, where he completed a rotating internship. He later returned to MSU CVM for a surgical residency and also earned a master’s degree in veterinary medical science. After completing his training in 2022, he joined AERC, helping to expand the center’s surgical capabilities during a period of renovation and growth.
“I officially started at AERC in August 2022, but between renovations to the facility and preparing for my board exams, I wasn’t working full-time until 2023,” he said. “Since then, we’ve really established a strong orthopedic program here.”
Dr. Kettleman leads a skilled team of certified veterinary technicians who assist with anesthesia, surgery, and patient care. This collaboration extends beyond the operating room, as the center integrates multiple departments to ensure the very best and most comprehensive treatment for every patient.
“Our emergency and ICU teams play a vital role in the post-surgical care, and our partnership with the center’s rehab team is something we’re really proud of,” he said. “Every orthopedic patient automatically has a rehabilitation consultation after surgery. So, even if they don’t continue with therapy sessions, they leave with a customized nutrition, exercise, and pain management plan.”
Dr. Kettleman works closely with the rehab team, which includes Dr. Wendy Byrd, a veterinarian and certified canine rehabilitation therapist, and Dr. Kelsie Giles, a Doctor of Physical Therapy and certified canine rehabilitation therapist, and their team to ensure that surgical patients receive the best possible long-term care. This proactive approach not only aids in recovery but also helps prevent future joint issues and arthritis.
As a referral-based service, AERC receives orthopedic cases through three primary avenues: veterinary referrals, where local practitioners refer patients directly for specialized surgical care; physical therapy referrals, when patients are previously participating in rehabilitation before being diagnosed with a surgical need; and emergency cases, where patients suffering trauma, such as fractures from car accidents or falls, are assessed and referred in-house for surgery.
Regardless of how they arrive, every patient benefits from the AERC’s multi-disciplinary approach, making sure they receive the highest level of orthopedic and rehabilitative care.
With a commitment to advanced surgical techniques and a strong rehab team, Dr. Kettleman is improving the lives of numerous animals and, consequently, their owners through the services he provides at MSU CVM’s AERC.
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