Veterinarian offers orthopedic options for animals

As a seasoned veterinary orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Robert Fuller of Sisters carries a high level of responsibility.

"I am the only orthopedic surgeon east of the Cascades that does spinal surgery," said Fuller. "Otherwise they would have to ship the animal to Portland."

The spine is one of the most delicate parts of any vertebrate's body; moving an animal that needs spinal surgery could prove detrimental. Dr. Fuller performs orthopedic surgery "on call" for over a dozen veterinary clinics in Central Oregon, including Sisters.

"Some animal hospitals have me on speed dial," said Fuller. "I am there when they need me."

Dr. Fuller is a 1977 graduate of UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in California. He and wife Jane had vacationed in Sisters for many years, riding horses on wilderness trails in the summer and skiing in winter. They made the move from California to Sisters Country 10 years ago.

"I sold almost everything; my home and longtime veterinary practice, but I kept my surgical equipment," said Fuller. "I needed a change; I was burnt out from the business end of the practice."

Dr. Fuller tried to relax in his new peaceful, scenic setting by building a barn for his two horses. But he thrives when he's working, whether he's repairing injured knees and torn anterior cruciate ligaments or performing a laminectomy, relieving pressure on the animal's spinal cord.

"It's what I really love to do," he said.

Word of Fuller's expertise got around.

"At one time I was doing referral surgery for 16 different clinics in the area," said Fuller. "They call me and I'm there."

A few years ago Chris Bauersfeld, a licensed veterinary technician and manager of the Redmond Humane Society, received a dog at the shelter with a bad break in its leg.

"I knew Bob Fuller; he had performed orthopedic surgery on my dogs, so I called and told him about the dog that needed leg surgery," said Bauersfeld. "That was the first of many acts of kindness that Dr. Fuller has given us here at Redmond Humane; he was in a position to give back and he thoroughly loved it."

What sets Dr. Robert fuller apart from the rest is not just his dedication practicing his orthopedic surgical skills, but his overall wisdom and love of animals.

"I will never forget the day, just a few months ago, when the shelter received a dog of about 4 or 5 years old. It was possible that he had been left in a crate for years; he had major deformities in his back legs," said Bauersfeld. "The timing couldn't have been better; that dog came to the right place, as Dr. Fuller is now one of our best resources for a case like this."

The dog, now named Rocky, got a second chance; he was adopted by a family and is able to enjoy life.

When Fuller isn't busy performing surgery, he and Jane take care of three horses, two rescue Labrador retrievers and five cats on their 20-acre property.