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 MBA CertAVP(GSAS) PgCertVBM CCRT DipECVS DipACVSMR DipECVSMR MAcadMEd FRSB FRSA FRCVS

James Guthrie adjusting surgical lights in operating room

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.

James Guthrie with stethoscope examining a fluffy dog

What do all those letters mean?

  • 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.

  • Executive Master of Business Administration in Strategic Leadership

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Member of the Academy of Medical Educators which demonstrates specific expertise and external validation in medical education

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons

    RCVS Fellowship is awarded in recognition of outstanding contributions to the veterinary profession via meritorious contributions to clinical practice

ECVS logo with dog, horse, scalpel, and text "European College of Veterinary Surgeons Specialist Surgeon."

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.

Dr James Guthrie performing arthroscopic surgery

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.

Dr James Guthrie - Veterinarian examining a brown dog in a clinic.

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 digital Webinars.

James was a board member (2023-2026) and co-coordinated the educational conferences for the British Veterinary Orthopaedic Association (BVOA).

In addition to this James is a member of the ECVSMR Examination Committee; preparing questions for the Diplomate Examination.

James is an Educational Consultant for Arthrex; one of the world’s leading developers and manufacturers of surgical equipment and implants.

In 2025, James founded ExamVet. A concierge coaching service to help veterinarians and vet students to pass examinations, so that they can focus more time on helping animals than stressing over their test results.

www.examvet.com

Dr James Guthrie teaching fellow veterinarian whilst performing arthroscopic surgery with monitor displaying image

Presenting & Webinars

”Sharing is caring”

  • 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.

  • January 2025            Online Webinar – Canine Arthroscopy: How to perform keyhole surgery for the elbow, shoulder, and stifle (Webinar Vet)

    January 2025 Online Webinar – Orthopaedic Salvage Surgery (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)

James Guthrie seated at desk with books, lamp, and plant in background.

Research & Publications

”It all starts with an idea”

Dr James Guthrie in blue scrubs smiling while holding a fluffy brown dog.