Dr. Santiago Mejia - Veterinarian

Dr. Santiago Mejia is a board-certified surgeon with advanced expertise in orthopedic, soft tissue, and minimally invasive procedures. He earned his veterinary degree in Colombia and completed multiple internships in the United States, including at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, North Carolina State University, and Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists (CRES).

Dr. Mejia spent 7 years at Cornell University—1 year as an intern, 3 years completing his surgical residency, and 3 years as a staff surgeon—gaining extensive experience in equine and farm animal medicine and surgery. During this time, he honed his skills in advanced surgical techniques, orthobiologics, and minimally invasive procedures. He now focuses on small animal surgery at the Animal Surgical Center, while also integrating his training in veterinary chiropractic care for both small and large animals through Options for Animals and the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association (IVCA), combining surgical precision with rehabilitative therapies to enhance recovery, mobility, and long-term musculoskeletal health.

His clinical interests include orthobiologics, minimally invasive procedures, and musculoskeletal rehabilitation, with a commitment to improving outcomes and quality of life for patients and their owners.

Selected Publications & Contributions:

• Mejia S, McOnie RC, Tinga S, Bellefeuille SD, Guiot LP. Total elbow replacement in swine: surgical technique and initial clinical experience in a Kunekune sow. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol. 2025;38(3):135–143. A case report detailing development and outcome of a total elbow replacement technique in a swine model, highlighting translational relevance to clinical practice.
• Mejia S, McOnie RC, Nelligan KL, Fubini SL. Small ruminant urinary obstruction: decision trees for treatment. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2022;260(S2):S64–S71. Provides structured treatment pathways for urinary obstruction in small ruminants, emphasizing surgical and medical decision-making.
• Mejia Hernandez SM, Begum L, Keller LE, Fu Q, Zhang S, Fortier LA. Synovium secretome as a disease‑modifying treatment for equine osteoarthritis. Am J Vet Res. 2022;83(10):ajvr.22.05.0082. Investigates chondroprotective factors from synoviocyte secretions and their potential therapeutic application in equine osteoarthritis.
• Mejia S, Hurcombe SDA, Rodgerson DH, Cassone LM. Retrograde intussusception of the descending colon secondary to multiple colonic hamartomas in a neonatal foal. Equine Vet Educ. 2021;33(1). Case report describing a rare presentation of colonic intussusception in a neonatal foal requiring surgical recognition and management.
• Book Chapter: Mejia S, Williams Louie E. Emergency supplies and equipment for triage. In: Radcliffe RM, Kopper JJ, eds. Emergency Triage of the Horse. Wiley; 2026. Contributed to a comprehensive clinical reference on emergency assessment, triage, and stabilization resources for acute equine patients.