Meet our Team

Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons - Small Animal
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation

Orthopedic Surgery, Regenerative & Sports Medicine

Owner & Chief of Staff

Education:

Dr. Sherman Canapp, a Maryland native, performed his undergraduate work at University of Maryland Baltimore County and Towson University. He performed graduate studies in biochemistry at Johns Hopkins University, where he gained experience in surgical and pharmaceutical research. Dr. Canapp completed a combined DVM and Masters of Clinical Science in Surgery at Kansas State University in 1999. Upon graduation, Dr. Canapp completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the University of Missouri, followed by a three-year residency in small animal surgery at the University of Florida. In 2004, Dr. Canapp became a member of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.  In 2005, Dr. Canapp completed his certification in Canine Rehabilitation. Dr. Canapp has the extreme honor to be named a charter Diplomate in the newly recognized American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (ACVSMR) where he is Past President of the college.
 

Areas of Expertise:

Dr. Canapp completed his resident research, Masters research and advanced training in the treatment of joint diseases. Dr. Canapp is currently researching regenerative medicine; specifically, the use of stem cell therapy and platelet rich plasma for the treatment of sports-related soft tissue injuries as well as osteoarthritis. Additionally, Dr. Canapp is a noted reviewer for many prominent scientific veterinary and human journals. He publishes and lectures frequently on the subjects of osteoarthritis, sports medicine, rehabilitation therapy, regenerative medicine and minimally invasive surgery, specifically arthroscopy. Due to the significant translational application of his work in regenerative medicine for soft tissue injuries he has had the honor of being an invited speaker and panelist at numerous human conferences including The Orthobiologic Institute Conference – TOBI (2015, 2016, 2017), The American Association of Orthopaedic Medicine Conference – AAOM (2017), and the International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science – IFATS (2017).  He has presented numerous times at National and International veterinary conferences including the Veterinary Orthopedic Society Conference, the North American Veterinary Conference (NAVC), International Symposium on Veterinary Rehabilitation / Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine (IAVRPT), European College of Veterinary Surgeons, European Society of Veterinary Orthopedics & Traumatology and has presented at the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) Symposium almost every year since 1999. He also regularly speaks at national and international continuing education meetings.

Dr. Canapp has served as Chair for the Rehabilitation Therapy & Sports Medicine programs and wet-labs at the ACVS Symposium, NAVC, IAVRPT and ACVSMR since the mid-2000s. Dr. Canapp also had the honor to speak at the 2007 American Physical Therapy Association Meeting on Orthopedic Conditions in Performance Dogs and at the 2007 and 2011 United States Police Canine Association National Training Seminar. In 2007, Dr. Canapp was elected as the founding president of the American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians (AARV). In 2009, Dr. Canapp was included as an instructor for the Canine Rehab Institute. Dr. Canapp’s international lecture activities on sports medicine and regenerative medicine include the Keynote speaker for the AVO symposium in Berlin, Germany in 2012 as well as a NAHA lecture tour through the major cities of Japan in 2013, University of Sydney 2016, London 2016, Helsinki and Leon 2017.   

Dr. Canapp currently practices orthopedic surgery and sports medicine at the Veterinary Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Group (VOSM) in Annapolis Junction, MD where he is owner and Chief of Staff.  Dr. Canapp is also the President and CEO of Orthobiologic Innovations LLC, where he is actively engaged in concept and product design and development for orthopedic and arthroscopic devices, instrumentations, medical systems, biologics and regenerative medicine technologies. Dr. Canapp is also an orthopedic surgery and sports medicine consultant for the National Aquarium in Baltimore, the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., the Maryland Zoo, the Washington D.C. and Regional Police K-9 Units and Search and Rescue dogs, TSA, NSA and Military K-9 units, the Washington D.C. Animal Rescue League and national agility, fly ball, field trial and disc dog organizations, Elanco and Zoetis Animal Health, Everost, Nutramax Laboratories, Merial Animal Health Company, Smith & Nephew, Inc., EmCyte Corporation, Canine Regenerative Therapies, Harvest/Terumo, Vetra - StemWalker, Companion Animal Health, Trice Medical, Owl Manor Veterinary, Zygood, Veton, i4C Innovations Inc, The American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

Special Interests:
Dr. Canapp’s particular area of interest lies in regenerative medicine, sports medicine and minimally invasive surgery, specifically canine sports related injury and arthroscopy. Dr. Canapp teaches advanced courses in arthroscopy and regenerative medicine and routinely receives referrals for arthroscopic procedures and regenerative medicine treatments from domestic and international sources. Dr. Canapp offers this type of advanced care for our canine companions because he believes clients expect and deserve a standard of care no less than that of human patients.

Examples Dr. Canapp’s recent peer-reviewed publications in the area regenerative medicine include the use of adipose derived progenitor cells and platelet rich plasma for the treatment of supraspinatus tendinopathies; partial cranial cruciate ligament tears treated with stem cells and platelet rich plasma combination therapy as well as a multicenter prospective analysis on the various canine PRP systems.  Examples of Dr. Canapp’s current research studies include the clinical efficacy of Dasuquin Advanced for the treatment of elbow osteoarthritis in dogs; the use of hyperthermic therapy for the treatment of hip osteoarthritis in dogs; the use of pulse magnetic field therapy for the treatment of osteoarthritis in dogs; Platelet Rich Plasma Pure for the treatment of elbow OA in the canine; and OsteoBioscaff for the treatment of elbow OA in the canine.

Recent projects completed by Dr. Canapp through Orthobiologic Innovations, LLC include development of unique line of low profile, limited contact, locking, pre-contoured TPLO plates; development of a canine specific arthroscopic instrumentation system; validation and clinical testing of a micro-arthroscopic (needle scope) technology; and validation of a bone marrow aspirate concentrate pure system in the canine in collaboration with the Univeristy of Maryland, School of Biomedical Engineering.  Current activities include development of a canine specific hyaluronic acid product; development and validation of an adipose derived regenerative medicine canine technology; development and validation of a platelet rich plasma system for cats; development of a client/patient – doctor communication web based system; and creation of a global diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound and arthroscopic telemedicine platform.

In 2015, Dr. Canapp established Project GO (Global Orthopedics for Animals).  Project GO is a non-profit foundation dedicated to helping animals with musculoskeletal injuries from working dog government organizations, rescue organizations, wildlife organizations that have significant budget constraints as well as pet owners with financial hardship.  In 2014, Dr. Canapp established The VOSM Academy, LLC educational training programs for veterinarians in the areas of sports medicine, regenerative medicine, rehabilitation therapy, diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound, arthroscopic procedures.  The VOSM Academy Certification Program was then created in 2015 to allow practices and individual clinicians trained and certified by Dr. Canapp to become a VOSM affiliate member.  Certified locations include Seattle, Finland and Australia.  Locations in progress include New Jersey, Philadelphia, Japan, China and South Africa.

Currently, Dr. Canapp and his wife, Dr. Debra Canapp (VOSM’s Medical Director and Director of Rehabilitation and Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound), along with their daughters Allyson and Isabella and son Caden live in Howard County, where they share a home with their Doberman Ygritte, Border Collie Enzo and hairless cat, Decan.  His personal interests include playing drums, racing cars, mountain biking and playing tennis.

Dr. Canapp works to educate veterinarians from all over. These videos show just some of the tools he recommends:

Dr. Canapp on why the Stance Analyzer is a great tool for General Practice

The Benefits of Regenerative Medicine

PRP

Check out Dr. Sherman Canapp on The Pet Show with Dr. Katy Nelson:

Joint Supplements to enhance your dog's wellbeing

Dog Beds 101: Help your pet be well rested

Braces to help dogs recover from injury

Dr. Anna Marie brought her dog Bucca in to see Dr. Canapp. Buca turned 6 and was having trouble walking so they came to VOSM and documented the whole experience:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69To8UsfyAM

Bucca goes in for surgery on her CCL:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b17L8LWbCCM

Bucca's rehabilitation journey featuring Dr. Debra Canapp as well:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqAFKRnqSnY

Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation
 Sports Medicine and Canine Rehabilitation

Dr. Debra Canapp began her journey in sports medicine and rehabilitation with her certification in canine rehabilitation through the Canine Rehabilitation Institute in Loxahatchee, Florida in 2005. She has since continued an exclusive career working in small animal sports and rehabilitation medicine. In order to expand the rehabilitative services offered to VOSM's patients, Dr. Canapp became certified in the art of traditional Chinese veterinary medicine and acupuncture by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society in 2006. In 2007 she further enhanced VOSM’s rehabilitative portfolio when she received her certification in stem cell therapy, a practice that has shown promise in returning our injured canine companions and athletes to their prior function. In 2010-2011, Dr. Canapp pursued studies and advanced training in diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound and is currently utilizing this tool, as a leader in the small animal field, diagnostically and therapeutically through ultrasound-guided regenerative medicine injections. In 2012, Dr. Canapp obtained the next level of expertise in her field by becoming board certified in the new American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation.

For the past 8 years, Dr. Canapp’s exclusive area of interest, clinical work, lecturing and research has revolved around sports medicine and rehabilitation therapy, specifically canine sports-related injury, sport rehabilitation and performance. She has completed advanced courses in canine rehabilitation, hydrotherapy, acupuncture, sports medicine, orthopedics and stem cell therapy.  Currently she is practicing sports medicine, acupuncture, musculoskeletal ultrasound and rehabilitation at VOSM. Dr. Canapp is active in teaching rehabilitation medicine to visiting veterinary students, rehabilitation therapy certification candidates, and veterinarians. She is also engaged in several clinical trials involving sports medicine and rehabilitation and reviews for scientific veterinary journals and grant committees. Dr. Canapp has been published and lectures on the subjects of osteoarthritis, sports medicine, regenerative medicine, musculoskeletal ultrasound and rehabilitation therapy at national and international continuing education meetings. Dr. Debra Canapp, along with her husband, Dr. Sherman Canapp, currently lecture both domestically and abroad on the subjects of orthopedic injuries in the sporting/working dog and the current rehabilitation techniques used to treat them.

Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine

Dr. Chris Leasure grew up in rural Washington County, Maryland. He pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of Maryland in College Park where he received his BS in Biology, with honors. He went on to earn his DVM from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in Blacksburg, VA. After graduation from veterinary school, Dr. Leasure completed a 1-year rotating internship in surgery, internal medicine and emergency & critical care at VCA-Veterinary Referral Associates in Gaithersburg, MD. This was followed by a 1-year surgical internship at the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Leasure recently completed a 3-year surgical residency at the prestigious, century-old Animal Medical Center in New York City where he performed over 1000 elective and emergency surgeries. Dr. Leasure has completed advanced courses in small animal fracture management and linear, circular and hybrid external fracture fixation. He completed his certification in Stem Cell Therapy with Vet-Stem in 2007.

Dr. Leasure's internship and residency research has been focused on the development of minimally invasive orthopedic and soft tissue surgical techniques which decrease patient morbidity and speed up patient recovery. While at the University of Florida, he participated in developing a minimally invasive technique to repair complex Sacroiliac fracture-luxations in dogs. Dr. Leasure was invited to present his research at the National American College of Veterinary Surgeons Symposium in 2007 and the international Veterinary Endoscopy Society Meeting in 2006.

During his career, Dr. Leasure has had the opportunity to perform surgery on many dogs and cats with limb deformities. During his surgical residency, he had the honor of being selected to appear on an episode of Animal Planet’s Underdog to Wonderdog in which he operated on Venus, a Labrador Retriever with a complex frontlimb deformity. His professional interests include minimally invasive surgery, complex fracture repair, joint replacements, limb deformity correction and stifle stabilization.

Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Neurology)

Spine Center / Neurology

Dr. Ryan Gallagher completed his undergraduate degree in the wine country of northern California at Sonoma State University where he obtained a Bachelor of the Arts in Biology with Distinction. He completed his veterinary schooling at the University of California, Davis. After veterinary school, Dr. Gallagher went on to complete a one year rotating medicine/surgery internship at the University of Pennsylvania.

Following his internship, Dr. Gallagher completed a three year residency in Neurology at North Carolina State University; one of the nation’s premier neurology training programs. At NC State, Dr. Gallagher received advanced training in both medical and surgical neurology. Dr. Gallagher’s particular interests are in the treatment of chronic intervertebral disc disease and neuroimaging.

Dr. Gallagher originally hails from San Diego County, where he grew up. He is married to Amy Gallagher and father to two boys, Ian and Daegan. The Gallagher family includes dog Zoe and cat Nora. His interests include cycling, hiking and winter sports.

Dr. Nicole Chun was born and raised in Hawaii. She received her Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences from Oregon State University in 2011 before graduating from veterinary school in 2015 from the University of California, Davis. She then completed a rotating internship in medicine and surgery at BluePearl Veterinary Partners in Tampa, Florida.

Dr. Chun is pursuing a residency at Veterinary Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Group (VOSM) with the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. Dr. Chun passed her certification in canine rehabilitation (CCRP) in December 2017 with the University of Tennessee, and is currently performing research on platelet-rich plasma in cats while at VOSM.

During her free time, Dr. Chun likes to hike, go to the beach, and is never too tired for a healthy game of competitive bowling.

Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation

Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Pathologists 

Veterinary Sports Trainer

Chris Zink is our canine Sports Medicine Consultant, evaluating canine structure and locomotion and designing individualized retraining and conditioning programs for canine athletes. She is the award-winning author of Peak Performance: Coaching the Canine Athlete and Dog Health, Nutrition for Dummies and The Agility Advantage and co-author of Jumping From A to Z: Teach Your Dog to Soar and the DVD Building the Canine Athlete. Her books have been translated into numerous languages worldwide.

Dr. Zink has also obtained more than 80 agility, obedience, retrieving, tracking and conformation titles on dogs from the sporting, herding, working, terrier and hound groups. She was voted Outstanding Woman Veterinarian in 2009. Dr. Zink presents Coaching the Canine Athlete® seminars worldwide to rave reviews. Her veterinary training and experience in canine athletics provide a unique perspective on canine sports medicine.

Learn more about Dr. Zink by visiting www.caninesports.com.

Dr. Bailey is a Marylander from the start. She grew up in Glen Dale, MD and she attended West Virginia University for her B.S. in Animal Nutrition. She received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Ross College, and she also completed the Business Incubator Program at Howard Community College. She hopes to open her own Rehab Sanctuary for animals and humans one day!

Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

Heather holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and an Associates degree in Veterinary Technology. She attended Potomac Massage Training Institute and has been certified as a human massage therapist and personal trainer since 1999. She has completed more than 120 hours of continuing education to obtain credentials in canine, feline and equine massage therapy through the Integrated Touch Therapy and Equissage programs. She was employed with the Baltimore School of Massage Student Clinic during which time she had the privilege of teaching the pet massage modality at the York campus. In 2008, Heather became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner through the University of Tennessee. Heather is also experienced in underwater treadmill and swim therapy for canines.

Fun Fact: Heather's hobbies include drumming with her band, riding motorcycles, hiking, camping, and kayaking.

Stephanie holds a Canine Rehabilitation Assistant Certification through the Canine Rehabilitation Institute. While Stephanie enjoys all aspects of rehabilitation and sports medicine, she is most interested in following her patients through long-term rehabilitation programs and their return to function and comfort. Stephanie is skilled in a range of rehabilitation modalities, including manual therapy, laser therapy, and hydrotherapy. 

Fun Fact: Stephanie's hobbies include traveling and spending time with her animals. 

Liz assists in our Rehab department. She is responsible for being with our patients through their rehab appointments.

Fun Fact: She has a B.S. in Criminal Justice

Sarah assists in our Rehab department. She is responsible for being with our patients through their rehab appointments.

Fun Fact: Her life goal is to become an ER Nurse Practitioner. 

Sierra assists in our Rehab department. She is responsible for being with our patients through their rehab appointments.

Fun Fact: Her favorite dog breed is the German Shepherd. 

Chris assists in our Rehab department. He is responsible for being with our patients through their rehab appointments.

Fun Fact: He enjoys drawing, racquetball, and memes in his free time. 

Dayle assists in our Rehab department. She is responsible for being with our patients through their rehab appointments.

Fun Fact: She enjoys playing volleyball in her freetime. 

Brandon is responsible for assisting our Rehab doctors and therapists with patients throughout the day. He also assists in other departments when needed, such as Recovery. 

Fun Fact: His life goal is to go to vet school and become a veterinarian

Sonja is a Registered Veterinary Technician. She is the surgery team lead and has been employed at VOSM for 11 years.

Fun Fact: Sonja owns 5 dogs and 3 cats, including an 18 year old toy poodle named Royce.

Victoria assists before, during, and after surgery. Victoria is currently in vet school and specifically works with Dr. Gallagher and our MRI machine when she's not in the OR. 

Fun Fact: Victoria enjoys traveling, sports, and hiking in her off time.

Alyssa is a surgery tech. She is currently pursuing a degree in Animal Behavior. Her goal is to study the behavior of wildlife in different regions.

Fun Fact: Alyssa enjoys reading and design in her spare time.

Our Surgery Team consists of some of the hardest working people. Joanna is responsible for assisting our surgeons during operations. 

Fun Fact: She enjoys running, and wants to travel the world to run in as many new places as possible.

Our Surgery Team consists of some of the hardest working people. Kian is responsible for assisting our surgeons during operations. He has a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Hawaii at Hilo and is currently working on becoming a veterinarian.

Fun Fact: He enjoys soccer, boxing, and owrking out in his free time. 

Jackie started as a Kennel Technician and is now with our Surgery Team. She has her Veterinary Assisting Certificate from Chesapeake College. She picked up her new responsibilities in the surgery department very quickly, and is excited to be a part of the team. 

Fun Fact: Jackie wants to own a donkey one day.

Michael is responsible for making sure our equipment is functioning properly and our supplies are fully stocked. 

Fun Fact: He completed a 1 year Performing Arts Program

Bryan manages and coordinates the staff in the Recovery department so that there is always someone here for our pre-op and post-op patients. This includes daytime, nighttime, and weekend staff. Bryan and his team make sure our patients are being let out and walked, fed, hydrated, and medicated as necessary. Most importantly, they make sure your furry family member is loved while they're here. Each one gets some pets and cuddle time with our lovely Recovery Techs. 

Our team of recovery technicians can be reached day or night by calling 240-547-4212 EXT 220. This expert level of care and service is given to all of our patients at VOSM. 

Fun Fact: Bryan's a family man. His life goal is to simply expand his family and spend more time with his son.

Ally works with Dr. Sherman Canapp. She assits with consults and coordinates his schedule. 

Fun Fact: Ally has a Great Dane (Armani) and a French Bull Dog (Zoey)

Ashley is a tech in the Outpatient department. She specifically assists Dr. Leasure and Dr. Dycus during their consults. She occasionally assists in other areas of the hospital as well. 

Fun Fact: Ashley enjoys painting, hiking, and taking a ridiculous amount of photos of her dog Aiden.

Jeff has a Bachelors Degree in Wildlife Biology. He used to work for the government, but decided VOSM was a better fit for him. He started as our Rehab Team Leader and now manages all of the research appointments. We occasionally participate in clinical-trials at VOSM, and are always looking for candidates. Jeff is in charge of these trials and the appointments for patients that decide they'd like to participate in the trials. If you're interested in learning more about our clinical trials you can click here: http://bit.ly/2LVVxzz

Fun Fact: Jeff wants to retire and sail the open seas on a sailboat with his family and dogs.

Patti assists patients during the check-in and check-out process of their visits. 

Fun Fact: She enjoys working out, jig-saw puzzles, reading, hiking, and hanging out with her grandson

Paris assists patients during the check-in and check-out process of their visits. 

Fun Fact: She aspires to be a Forensic Psychologist one day.

Christina also takes care of hospital policies and procedures, coordinating training for staff, and providing management for our team leaders. 

Fun Fact: Christina has two horses (AJ and Norma Jean), one dog (Chips), and one cat (Ranger).

Iris is an integral part of VOSM's daily operations. She manages the doctors' schedules and makes sure the hospital is staffed appropriately depending on doctor schedules. Iris does a little bit of everything around the hospital including, but not limited to: doctor schedules, scheduling patients, taking patient intakes, training new staff, managing incoming client e-mails, discharging patients, and filling in where needed.

Fun Fact: Iris enjoys yoga, dog walks, dog training, kayaking, and paddle boarding in her free time.

Ashly has a Bachelors in Exercise Science form the Univeristy of Central Florida and a minor in Mass Communications. She previously worked in human Orthopedics as a tech at Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center located in Anne Arundel Medical Center. She handles all of the website, social media, events, advertising, and marketing material at VOSM. 

Fun Fact: Ashly's life goal is to make a difference in the world. She plans to do-so through her company Ashletics. She has a lot of big ideas, but to fund them she sells t-shirts. Her goal right now, is to donate part of her profits to different non-profits that help make the world a better place whether it be for curing cancer, saving shelter dogs, or cleaning our bays and oceans. See how Ashly plans to make an impact on the wor

Alyse has a Bachelors in Environmental Science and Policy form the University of Maryland. She is in charge of research development, meaning she helps coordinate clinical trials for VOSM to take part in. If you'd like to see what current trials we have going on, please visit our Clinical Trials Page.

Fun Fact: Alyse enjoys music and baking. She also likes decorating for holidays and is a huge Baltimore Ravens fan!

Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons

Dr. Jonathan Dyce graduated from University of Cambridge (UK) in 1989 and remained there to train as an orthopaedic surgeon. In 1997, he joined the surgery faculty at The Ohio State University, and is currently associate professor and service head of small animal surgery. Dr. Dyce has over 20 years experience with canine total hip replacement and has now performed over 1,250 THRs using both cemented and cementless prostheses. He is a consultant for BioMedtrix, LLC, the manufacturer of the most commonly implanted THR in dogs. He is a regular speaker at national and international meetings on topics of small animal orthopedics and THR. Among other continuing education responsibilities, he has been the chairperson for the OSU Canine Total Hip Replacement workshop since 2002. Clinical research interests include failure mechanisms and the refinement of canine total hip replacement.

Dr. Dyce has been an integral part of VOSM's Total Hip Replacement program since 2008. He regularly travels to VOSM to perform surgery on patients in need of total hip replacements.