Grove Veterinary Hospital welcomes orthopaedic surgeon to Fakenham
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Grove Veterinary Hospital in Fakenham is delighted to welcome international talent Diana Gander Soares, DVM MVetMed MRCVS, as its newest orthopaedic surgeon.

Diana joins the hospital’s expanding team, bringing advanced expertise in small animal surgery and a deep passion for restoring mobility in pets.

Diana will help to provide a comprehensive range of orthopaedic services for local pets. This will include; the diagnosis and treatment of bone, ligament and joint problems  —  from lameness and limping to complex mobility issues; advanced orthopaedic surgeries  —  such as fracture repairs, cruciate ligament repairs, and hip and elbow dysplasia surgeries; the management of chronic conditions  —  for pets with long-term issues like arthritis; and rehabilitation and recovery — to restore pets’ quality of life after surgery.

Diana said.

Orthopaedics fascinates me with its intricacy and the profound impact it has on restoring movement. Helping animals regain mobility is incredibly rewarding — it’s central to their quality of life.

Originally from Lisbon, Diana graduated in 2015 and began her journey into orthopaedics during a placement at Zurich Vet School. Since then, she has worked in emergency and first-opinion practice, completed veterinary internships at leading referral hospitals, and is currently undertaking a prestigious European residency in small animal surgery at the Royal Veterinary College.

One of Diana’s most memorable cases involved Leia, a cat who was hit by a car and suffered severe injuries to both hind legs.

Despite our best efforts, one leg had to be amputated and the other required partial toe removal. Leia also had extensive skin wounds and spent three weeks in hospital. Her resilience was extraordinary — and today she’s thriving on three legs.

Diana joins Grove’s respected orthopaedic team led by James Tattersall, Head of Orthopaedics. She will work alongside Simon Gilbert and Richard Whitlock, who continue to contribute their expertise part-time following retirement. The team is supported by over 40 dedicated nurses and student nurses, whose care and professionalism are key to Grove’s reputation for clinical excellence.

Grove Veterinary Hospital is a specialist-led orthopaedic referral centre for small animals, accepting cases from across East Anglia. With advanced surgical facilities, CT imaging, and a highly skilled team, Grove provides the highest standards of care for pets with orthopaedic conditions.