Veterinary orthopaedic surgery has made great strides in recent years with pioneering surgery and advanced joint implant design and production.
It’s now possible to treat once-debilitating injuries and diseases with minimally invasive techniques and cutting-edge implants that give animals a greater quality of life.
From elbow and hip replacement to custom made bionic limb construction, the healthcare options for animals have never been more advanced or sophisticated.
I’m fortunate to have specialist training in all these surgeries which offers me the opportunity to introduce them to my patients.
I was just 8 years old when I decided to become a vet. But unlike other kids I knew who constantly changed their minds about their future careers, my resolve never wavered.
I knew that helping animals was what I was meant to do and surgery would be my passion.
Since then, I have pursued my dream through extensive training and education. After graduating from university, I worked as a generalist vet, where I confirmed what I knew deep down – I loved orthopaedic surgery.
From the start, I wanted to be the best in my field. So, I sought expert training and mentorship, completing specialist training in both the USA and Europe.
My pathway to specialisation began in 2009 with a one-year rotating internship at the prestigious Royal Veterinary College, University of London. This led to a position at Louisiana State University, where I completed a surgery internship. I graduated from The University of Sydney in 2006.
I started a three-year surgical residency at the Animal Medical Center in New York in 2011, where I trained as a small animal surgeon and became a registered specialist in small animal surgery. I then stayed in the USA working as a referral specialist surgeon at Veterinary Surgical Centers (The Hope Center) in Washington, DC.
When I returned to Australia, I founded one of the largest specialist hospitals in Sydney.
Today, I am one of the few Australian veterinarians who is board-certified by both the American and European colleges of veterinary surgeons.
Through my work as an orthopaedic specialist, I have helped countless animals with orthopaedic problems.
My goal is to continually advance my orthopaedic and neurosurgical skills so that no animal has to struggle with a debilitating injury or condition.
Here’s what my clients say about me. To read more about the impact of the surgeries I perform, head to my Success Stories page.
I went to many vets around Sydney for my Puppy, who was a breached birth, and had her foot removed from the mother pulling on it. All the Vets said to amputate the whole leg, but I though that was unnecessary because it was just the foot. I consulted with Dr Levine, and we were able to do a prosthetic for my puppy. Dr Levine was the First Vet to say, amputation is not the only choice. Although it has only been a month and a bit since the operation My little one is recovering really well and she is learning how to use her new foot. The care and service provided was outstanding. The staff kept my little one calm, and comfortable, and made the first month of recovery so much better for my little one. Without which i reckon she would not have recovered so well.
KH
The team were extremely helpful and caring. They kept me informed of what was happening. They helped reduce my worries at a very stressful time when your furbaby is seriously ill and requires surgery. They were excellent treating my cat in a separate quiet cat ward. Couldnt ask for better care.
Deborah Arms
We really can't express enough gratitude and positive feedback for Andrew and the amazing staff. Whilst we're over the moon to have a 24 hour vet hospital, we're overly grateful for the fact that it's also staffed by the most wonderful people. From the moment we walked in and were greeted by the gorgeous welcoming committee of Kathryn and Beck, through to the caring and thoughtful treatment by Dr Andrew, our pup Macallan was treated as much the Prince as he is at home!
Amanda Brown
We approached Andrew after discovering our puppy Archie was tragically born with hip dysplasia. Andrew the surgeon patiently assessed Archie and guided us through the various options and what each would result in throughout the duration of Archie's life. We never felt any pressure, and after careful consideration over the next months we decided surgery would give us the outcome we wanted. They made all the arrangements to suit our convenience, and provided detailed instructions for Archie's care while he recovered at home. We are delighted with the outcome, and it is a joy to see Archie bound around on his special new hip. I would highly recommend them to anyone in a similar situation, who is seeking the best possible care from world class surgical specialists to deliver the best outcome for their furry family member.
Andrew & Gemma
I would like to express my utmost gratitude to the entire team. Our most loved one Penny received the best care we could ever imagine after she fractured her leg. Andrew performed the surgery and did a truly magnificent job, Penny was in high spirits not long after as if nothing happened. Every member of staff including interns and nurses kept me informed the whole way through and even sent photos of Penny in recovery after the op. Penny was always so excited to return for post op treatments. The care Penny received was nothing short of gentle and loving as if she was their own pet. I highly recommend.
Shauna Wise
I cannot recommend them highly enough! My dog had a limp for about 2 months and we went to multiple vets who told us she just needed to loose some weight (she is chunky but not huge!), she woke up one day squealing in pain and I rushed her to the hospital. Within 5 minutes she was diagnosed with a torn cruciate and surgery was booked in. My family were worried about surgery (just normal anxiety with your baby going under anaesthesia) and Dr Andrew made sure my mum felt as comfortable as possible and even kept her protection crystals in his pocket during surgery. The surgery went great and we just had our 8 week checkup and Sandy is loving life again! Cannot believe how amazing sandys attitude is now that she is pain free!
Em Gray
Andrew is incredible! He’s so kind and patient, you can tell he really cares about the animals and their owners. I rang a few times through out the night to check up on my dog after his surgery and the ladies where so kind and informative I never felt like I was kept in the dark. After the surgery a couple months later we ran into Andrew and he actually stopped to checked Odins knee I couldn’t believe the care he provided went above and beyond my expectations. Thank you and we will definitely keep recommending you to anyone that needs a vet hospital.
Rebecca Gollan
Dr Andrew and his team are (hands down) the best in class for hip replacement surgeries in dogs. From the initial consult to surgery day and post surgery check up, I had full confidence, was always updated and never worried. Thanks to the amazing team, Kai Kai is on the road to a full recovery and living his best life! Thank you so much Dr Andrew, Fernando and the whole team!
Sharon P
In June we found out that our 20 month old Westie Lulu had a degenerative hip disease & would require a total right side hip replacement. Our local vet recommended that Dr. Andrew Levien do the surgery. We were very apprehensive about putting Lulu through a big surgery like this, however Dr. Andrew phoned me that night at home & after talking with him, I felt very confident that all would be fine. On the day of surgery we met Dr. Andrew & he went through everything regarding her surgery with us & phoned us immediately after to let us know all was well. Dr. Andrew was most professional & very approachable at all times if I had any questions or concerns during her recovery period. 3.5 months later we have a dog that has a new lease of life & just wants to be on the go all time so we are more than happy with the outcome & can highly recommend Dr. Andrew & his team.
Sally & Steve McGuire
Andrew operated on our 1yr old Labradoodle after carefully explaining the options to deal with a diseased hip. 6 weeks later she is happy and pain free. We just had the post op x-ray and our local vet described the (total) hip replacement as one of the best he has seen - perfectly aligned. Very impressed with Andrew and the level of post-op contact to check on our patient's progress, and quickly responding to our many questions.
David C
Highly Recommend, Andrew performed a hip replacement operation on our Rottweiler who has hip dysplasia and was in extreme pain. He has recovered beautifully and is now running around and playing pain free. Andrew is an amazing surgeon with fantastic communication skills, wonderful bedside manner with your pet and when the time comes when I believe our Rottweiler may needs his other hip done I will be asking Andrew to perform the surgery. I have 100% faith in Andrews skills and ability. I have heard a lot positive feed back about Andrew as a surgeon and I have experienced it first hand. Andrew and his team are wonderful.
Kristy Luckie
Molly my cocker spaniel had both hips replaced by Andrew. one in 2017 and the second in feb 2018. She had no problems at all during recovery for both surgeries. He provides very good after care instructions. She now is happy and pain free. She loves playing in the back yard and going for walks again. Highly recommended.
Mary Ann Leslie
Dr Andrew and the team are so delightful, approachable, knowledgeable and most of all, they really care about your pet. Our little dog was diagnosed with early cruciate disease in February and had TPLO surgery in March. Dr Andrew performed the surgery. He was so lovely and had excellent communication throughout the whole process. Our regular vets had recommended we take our dog to see Andrew and have another xray done at his clinic as they weren't able to see anything on their xray machine. Andrew was able to xray her during our first visit which was great because we had driven 45mins to see him, so whilst she was getting xrayed, we went and had lunch around the area, and by the time we got back - she was all done and Andrew took us through his findings. We really appreciated having it all done in one day, rather than needing to go back a few days later. 2 weeks after her xray, Andrew travelled to our local vet and did her surgery there. It was so much more convenient for us and we thought that was an excellent service! After the surgery, he called to give us an update on how the surgery went and how she was. He also left some aftercare sheets and a sling to help her get around for the first few days after her surgery. She's healing very well and quickly, Dr Andrew even said the same thing when we took her in for her 8 week check up last week. I've got nothing but great things to say! They are professional and they don't try to scam you by adding on unnecessary items, medications or procedures to your bill. They're honest and yes they may be a little bit more pricey then a regular vet, but they are an emergency and specialist vet and you pay for the quality in the service that they provide! I would highly recommend Dr Andrew for any major surgeries for your pet. He has been so wonderful and it's worth the drive going to see him! Our doggo says thankyou so much for taking good care of her 🙂 <3 Thankyou to the team for looking after our Choppy. I was referred to Dr Andrew Levien by my local vet on the Central Coast. Dr Andrew made phone calls to me through the referral about Choppy's case and we discussed his airway procedure thoroughly before booking him in. Choppy was diagnosed with a Stage 3 laryngeal collapse and other specialist opinions were all strongly encouraging a permanent tracheotomy which was my last option for him as he had a leg amputation the year before and had already been through so much. Dr Andrew and his colleagues understood and were compassionate to our wants for Choppy and assured us that he would do everything he could to help. The teams' professionalism, dedication, pre-care, post-care, facilities and communication with me was exceptional at such a stressful time. They were absolutely fantastic in every aspect of his procedure and care. I couldn't be happier and Choppy is now home and doing well. I only wish they would open a practice on the Central Coast. Thankyou to the team.
Alana Larobina