Expert Contributors
VETSSI is built on the expertise of leading veterinary surgeons worldwide
Dr. Aldo Vezzoni
DVM, Diplomate ECVS
Clinica Veterinaria Vezzoni, Cremona, Italy
Dr. Aldo Vezzoni is a diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Surgeons with over three decades of clinical experience in small animal orthopedic and soft tissue surgery. He is internationally recognized for his contributions to the surgical management of hip dysplasia, including extensive work on triple pelvic osteotomy and total hip replacement techniques. Dr. Vezzoni has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications, contributed to major veterinary surgical textbooks, and has been a faculty member at advanced surgical training programs across Europe and North America. His commitment to evidence-based practice and meticulous surgical technique has established him as a leading authority on surgical site infection prevention in the veterinary surgical community.
Dr. Denis Verwilghen
PhD, Diplomate ECVS, Diplomate EVDC (Equine)
Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney; Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital, University of Melbourne
Dr. Denis Verwilghen is a diplomate of both the European College of Veterinary Surgeons and the European Veterinary Dental College (equine), with a clinical and research focus on equine surgery, surgical infection control, and antimicrobial stewardship. He holds an academic appointment at the Sydney School of Veterinary Science at the University of Sydney and practices at the Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital with the University of Melbourne. Dr. Verwilghen led the international Delphi consensus that produced the first standardized terminology for surgical site infections in veterinary medicine — the 2026 AJVR consensus on which the VETSSI Definitions Framework is built. He convened and chaired the multidisciplinary expert panel of thirty-two specialists spanning surgery, internal medicine, anesthesia, critical care, dentistry, microbiology, preventive medicine, animal welfare, and human infection control. His work establishes the shared clinical and research language now used to compare SSI rates, identify risk factors, and develop evidence-based prevention guidelines across the veterinary field.
Dr. Barbara Matthiesen
DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVS
Placeholder Veterinary Teaching Hospital, United States
Dr. Matthiesen is a board-certified veterinary surgeon with specialist expertise in minimally invasive surgery and soft tissue oncology. She contributes to VETSSI's protocols on intraoperative technique and postoperative wound management.
Dr. Sophie Collet
DVM, Diplomate ECVS
Placeholder Veterinary Referral Centre, France
Dr. Collet practices at a multi-specialty veterinary referral centre in France, with a clinical focus on orthopedic reconstruction and implant surgery. Her work on perioperative antibiotic protocols informs VETSSI's stewardship guidelines.
Dr. Rodrigo Torres
MV, MS, PhD
Placeholder Veterinary University, Brazil
Dr. Torres is a veterinary surgeon and researcher whose laboratory studies focus on biofilm formation on orthopedic implants and novel antiseptic strategies. He contributes research synthesis to VETSSI's evidence base.
Are you a veterinary surgeon with expertise in SSI prevention?
VETSSI is built through collaboration with leading veterinary surgical specialists. We are actively seeking contributors who can review existing protocols, propose evidence-based additions, and lend their clinical experience to advancing the platform. Contributors retain editorial independence and are acknowledged prominently for their contributions.
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