Advanced Equine Surgery, Consultation & Specialty Care in Plympton, MA
South Shore Equine Clinic & Diagnostic Center is proud to expand its specialty services with the addition of Dr. Katherine ("Katie") Gottleib, DVM, bringing advanced surgical expertise, expanded treatment options, and enhanced access to specialty care for horses throughout Eastern Massachusetts and the surrounding region.
Our growing surgical department provides comprehensive surgical consultation, elective and emergency surgical procedures, advanced diagnostics, and coordinated case management, all supported by our experienced veterinary team and state-of-the-art hospital facilities.
Whether your horse requires a surgical consultation, advanced imaging, orthopedic treatment, soft tissue surgery, or emergency care, our goal is to deliver thoughtful, individualized treatment plans and exceptional patient care from diagnosis through recovery.
Meet Our Surgeon
Dr. Katherine Gottleib, DVM
Originally from Newtown, Connecticut, Dr. Katherine Gottleib earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Atlantic Veterinary College on Prince Edward Island. Following veterinary school, she completed advanced internships at Fairfield Equine Associates, New Bolton Center, and Iowa State University before completing a Large Animal Surgery Residency and earning a Master's degree at Virginia Tech.
Throughout her training, Dr. Gottleib received recognition for her leadership, surgical skills, and research and has contributed to multiple scientific publications. Prior to joining South Shore Equine Clinic, she practiced emergency surgery and critical care in Aiken, South Carolina.
Dr. Gottleib is passionate about helping horse owners and referring veterinarians navigate complex medical and surgical cases through collaboration, communication, and evidence-based care.
Surgical Consultation Services
Not every surgical case requires surgery. Many horses referred for surgical evaluation ultimately benefit from medical management, rehabilitation, or ongoing monitoring rather than an operation. Our consultation service is designed to help owners and veterinarians make informed decisions based on each horse's individual needs.
Consultation Services Include:
Surgical evaluations and second opinions
Lameness assessments
Diagnostic imaging review
Radiograph interpretation
MRI and ultrasound consultation
Treatment planning
Surgical case management
Referral consultations
Post-operative recommendations
Our team works closely with horse owners and referring veterinarians to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for every patient.
Orthopedic Surgery
South Shore Equine Clinic offers advanced orthopedic surgical procedures for horses affected by fractures, joint disease, tendon injuries, ligament injuries, and traumatic orthopedic conditions.
Common Orthopedic Procedures
Arthroscopy
Joint surgery
Fracture repair
Tendon and ligament procedures
Septic joint management
Orthopedic wound management
Trauma-related orthopedic care
Our surgical suite and dedicated recovery facilities support a wide range of orthopedic procedures while prioritizing patient safety and comfort. The hospital features a modern surgical suite and dual padded induction and recovery rooms designed specifically for equine patients.
Soft Tissue Surgery
Our soft tissue surgery service addresses a broad range of conditions affecting the skin, eyes, reproductive tract, upper airway, abdominal wall, and other soft tissue structures.
Soft Tissue Procedures Include:
Mass and tumor removals
Sarcoid treatment
Melanoma removal
Wound reconstruction
Laceration repair
Skin grafting
Eye surgery
Upper airway surgery
Umbilical procedures
Castration
Oral and urogenital procedures
Each case is approached with individualized treatment planning and comprehensive post-operative care.
Advanced Laser Surgery
South Shore Equine Clinic utilizes advanced surgical laser technology to provide minimally invasive treatment options for selected procedures.
Laser surgery offers significant advantages over traditional surgical techniques, including:
Less post-operative pain
Reduced bleeding
Reduced swelling
Lower infection risk
Faster healing and recovery
Enhanced surgical precision
Common Laser Surgery Applications:
Castrations
Sarcoid and skin tumor removal
Melanoma removal
Proud flesh treatment
Ocular tumor procedures
Neurectomies
Upper airway procedures
Endoscopic laser surgery
Guttural pouch procedures
Endometrial cyst treatment
Laser technology allows our surgeons to perform many procedures with greater precision while improving patient comfort and recovery.
Emergency Surgical Care
When emergencies occur, timely evaluation and treatment can be critical.
Our surgical team provides emergency assessment and treatment for qualifying surgical cases, including:
Severe lacerations
Traumatic injuries
Septic joints
Acute wound emergencies
Soft tissue trauma
Other urgent surgical conditions
Our hospital provides advanced diagnostics, hospitalization, intensive monitoring, and critical care support for surgical patients throughout treatment and recovery.
Colic Evaluation & Surgical Referral Support
Colic remains one of the most serious medical emergencies affecting horses and is among the leading causes of equine mortality. Prompt evaluation is essential when horses experience significant abdominal pain or fail to respond to routine treatment.
South Shore Equine Clinic provides:
Colic evaluation
Advanced diagnostics
Intensive medical management
Surgical consultation
Referral guidance
Hospitalization and monitoring
Currently, colic surgical services remain limited and are available to our Colic Assistance Plan and Wellness Plan members. Surgical service expansion is anticipated early 2027 to all clients.
Advanced Diagnostics & Specialty Support
Comprehensive diagnostics play a critical role in successful surgical planning and recovery.
Available Specialty Services
Standing MRI
Digital radiography
Ultrasound
Video gastroscopy
Endoscopy
In-house laboratory diagnostics
Internal Medicine consultations
Shockwave therapy
Acupuncture
Regenerative medicine (PRP & IRAP)
Hospitalization and critical care
By combining advanced diagnostics with surgical expertise, our team can provide comprehensive care from initial evaluation through rehabilitation.
