For many families, pets are not just animals. They are family members who grow up alongside children, offer comfort during difficult times, and bring joy to everyday life. Their loyalty and unconditional love create a bond that runs deep. When that bond is shaken by a sudden fracture, a severe wound, a burn injury, or a neurological disorder, the fear is immediate. Even arthritis can slowly take away a pet’s ability to run, climb stairs, or move without pain. Watching a pet struggle, unable to explain what they feel, leaves owners searching for reassurance and real solutions.
Dr. Dena Lodato, Owner, Medical Director, and Veterinary Surgical Specialist at Resurge Veterinary Surgical Specialists and Rehabilitation, LLC, has dedicated her work to addressing these critical situations.
She treats a wide range of conditions using advanced surgical techniques supported by a complete rehabilitation program, including:
- Complex orthopedic injuries
- Trauma cases
- Neurological conditions
- Chronic mobility disorders
- Pain management
Her approach extends beyond surgery. She incorporates integrative therapies such as hyperbaric oxygen treatment to enhance healing, acupuncture for pain management, platelet-rich plasma to support tissue repair, and structured physical rehabilitation to rebuild strength and function. By combining surgical precision with comprehensive recovery care, her goal is to treat the condition and to restore comfort, stability, and long-term quality of life for every pet she serves.
The Founding Story of Resurge Veterinary
Dr. Dena Lodato explains that the story of Resurge began in late 2019 during a challenging time in her career. She was working in an environment where she felt she could no longer practice medicine at the high standard she believed in. The workplace culture had become unhealthy, morale was low, and she felt restricted in how she cared for her patients. Rather than compromise her values or continue in a setting that affected her well-being, she decided to look for a different path.
Her fiancé, Mike Richard, encouraged her to consider starting her own practice. At first, she was unsure about taking on the responsibilities of ownership. However, she soon realized that building her own clinic would allow her to create a space centered on integrity, professional independence, and a positive team culture.
With the support of close friends who believed in her vision, she began planning. The process included writing a business plan, securing financing, and finding a building. These steps were not easy. The COVID pandemic caused delays in funding and created financial uncertainty. Despite these challenges, she remained focused and determined.
By October 2020, approvals were in place, and preparations moved quickly. They had only two months to renovate the facility, equip and stock two operating rooms, build necessary furniture, and prepare for opening. In the final days before launch, friends and supporters came together to help organize treatment areas, set up equipment, and ensure everything was ready.
Resurge opened the next morning with a full schedule. The experience shaped Dr. Lodato’s journey into advanced veterinary surgery and rehabilitation at her own clinic. It reinforced her commitment to high-quality care, strong leadership, and creating a respectful, supportive environment for patients and staff.
A Case That Proves Dr. Dena Lodato’s Commitment to Saving Every Life
One of the most challenging cases Dr. Dena Lodato treated was a dog named Sadie who suffered severe burns in a dog house fire. More than 70 percent of Sadie’s body was affected, and she arrived at the clinic a week after the incident in critical condition. The extent of the injuries required intensive and carefully planned treatment. Dr. Lodato began with hyperbaric oxygen therapy to preserve as much viable skin as possible, followed by two surgical debridement procedures to remove damaged tissue and reduce the risk of infection.
As news of the case spread, AVITA Medical donated a ReCell spray-on skin kit, a technology commonly used in human burn care. A human burn surgeon, Dr. Nicole Kopari, volunteered her expertise and worked alongside Dr. Dena Lodato, bringing additional supplies and guidance from the human medical field. Through coordinated surgical care, advanced therapy, and ongoing support, Sadie made a full recovery.
The case became a powerful example of persistence, innovation, and teamwork in veterinary medicine. It highlighted Dr. Lodato’s willingness to explore every available option to save a life and restore quality of life. Sadie’s recovery reflected medical success and reinforced the importance of determination and collaboration when facing even the most severe challenges.
Supporting Pets Before, During, and After Surgery
From Dr. Dena Lodato’s perspective, Resurge fills an important gap in veterinary surgery. Many clinics focus mainly on the operation, but recovery and long-term health may not get the same attention. At Resurge, surgery is only one part of the healing journey. The team supports pets before, during, and after surgery to help them heal better and avoid complications.
The goal is not just to correct the problem. It is also to reduce pain, improve movement, and protect long-term mobility. By looking at the pet’s overall health, the team works to deliver a stronger and more complete recovery.
Resurge stands out because it combines surgery with advanced therapies. These include acupuncture, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, platelet-rich plasma, customized, structured physical rehabilitation plans, and advanced treatment using shockwave and Class IV laser therapy. These treatments help the body heal faster, reduce inflammation, and rebuild strength.
All services are available in one place, which makes care more organized and consistent. Complimentary post-operative therapy sessions help start recovery early. Further rehabilitation is planned based on each pet’s individual needs and progress, ensuring focused and personalized care throughout the healing process.
Treats Every Pet Like Her Own
Each treatment plan is designed around the specific needs of the individual pet. Care decisions are based on what will best support recovery after surgery or help maintain comfort and mobility, particularly in senior animals.
Dr. Lodato follows a simple and consistent principle in her practice. She treats every patient as if they were her own pet. If she would not choose a certain procedure or therapy for her own dog or cat, she does not recommend it to a client. This approach ensures that every recommendation is made with careful judgment, genuine responsibility, and a clear focus on achieving the best possible outcome for the pet.
A Structured and Individualized Approach to Complex Injuries
Dr. Dena Lodato approaches severe wounds and complex fractures with a clear and methodical strategy. She does not rely on routine solutions. Instead, she treats each case as a unique repair that requires detailed assessment and structured planning.
Her strategy typically follows a focused process:
- Comprehensive evaluation of the injury: She begins by assessing bone damage, soft tissue condition, blood supply, and the overall health of the patient. This helps determine not only what needs to be repaired, but how the body will respond during healing.
- Understanding mechanical forces: A critical part of her approach is analyzing how weight bearing, joint movement, and daily activity will affect the injured area. By studying these forces, she designs repairs that can withstand normal motion without compromising stability.
- Customized surgical planning: Rather than applying a standard technique, she selects fixation methods and surgical approaches based on the specific fracture pattern or wound complexity. The goal is to create stability while protecting surrounding tissues.
- Risk anticipation and prevention: She carefully considers potential complications such as implant failure, delayed healing, or infection. By planning ahead, she reduces these risks and improves the chances of a smooth recovery.
- Continuous refinement through experience: After each case, she evaluates outcomes and applies those insights to future treatments. This ongoing learning process strengthens her decision-making and enhances long-term results.
While these cases demand precision, concentration, and advanced skill, her structured and analytical strategy allows her to manage even the most challenging injuries with confidence. Each successful repair restores function for the patient and contributes to the continued refinement of her surgical approach.
Advancing Arthritis Research in Dogs
Ongoing research in arthritis management is transforming joint care in dogs.
Dr. Dena Lodato focuses on:
- Preserving joint structure
- Reducing inflammation
- Slowing disease progression
- Combining regenerative therapies with rehabilitation strategies for long-term relief
Her approach helps aging and recovering dogs maintain mobility, reduce discomfort, and enjoy a better quality of life.
Strategic Partnerships
Dr. Dena Lodato values strong partnerships in specialty care. Over the past five years, her practice has grown carefully, adding a neurology department and expanding rehabilitation into a full integrative medicine program. This means pets can get advanced care in one place.
Looking ahead, Dr. Lodato plans to bring in more specialists who share her focus on patient care and high standards. She also works closely with referring veterinarians, offering advice and collaborating on treatment plans to give every pet the best chance for a healthy, active life.
Creating a Calm, Supportive Experience
Dr. Dena Lodato maintains uncompromising standards when it comes to integrity. She believes honest communication is the foundation of trust and makes it a priority to provide clear, direct information to every client, regardless of how difficult the conversation may be. She understands how easily trust can be lost and works consistently to preserve it through transparency and accountability.
She also recognizes that families seek specialty care because something is wrong. No one visits a surgical practice without concern for their pet’s health. With that in mind, she focuses on creating a calm and supportive experience for clients and their pets. She knows that stress and uncertainty can affect recovery, so she takes the time to answer questions thoroughly, explain treatment options clearly, and provide the information families need to make confident decisions.
Advice For Aspiring Veterinarians, Surgeons, and Future Leaders
Dr. Lodato’s advice to aspiring veterinarians, surgeons, and future leaders is to pursue their goals with clarity and commitment. If the calling feels genuine, it is worth the effort and persistence it requires. The path will not be easy. It will demand patience, resilience, and the ability to move forward even when challenges arise. There will be moments of doubt and setbacks along the way, but those experiences are part of growth.
She believes perfection is not the goal. What matters is showing up each day with integrity and giving your best effort. When you commit fully to your work and remain true to your values, you can move forward without regret, even if outcomes are not always as planned. Consistent effort, strong character, and steady determination ultimately define meaningful success.
Received The Veterinary Surgeon Of The Decade Award
In 2025, Resurge was voted Best of Saint Tammany for veterinarians, reflecting the community’s trust and recognition of its high medical standards. Dr. Lodato has also shared her expertise through several television interviews, including the widely covered burn recovery case of Sadie, which highlighted advanced veterinary surgical care and cross-specialty collaboration.
Dr. Dena Lodato’s professional achievements have earned her national and international recognition. In 2023, she was inducted into Marquis Who’s Who and named a Top Doctor. Her work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Self, Vogue, USA Today, and Fortune, and Resurge itself has been highlighted in The National Digest for excellence in specialty veterinary care.
Further honors include being named Veterinary Surgical Specialist of the Year and Empowered Woman of the Year by the International Association of Top Professionals in 2024. She contributed to the international best-selling book Top 50 Fearless Leaders the same year. In 2025, she received the Veterinary Surgeon of the Decade award, the Executive Choice Award, and induction into Bombshell Boss Babes. Looking ahead, she has been named for the 2026 Presidential Award and recognized as one of the Top 25 Global Impact Leaders, underscoring her ongoing influence and leadership in veterinary surgery.
Dr. Dena Lodato’s 5 Impactful Business Mantras
- Put Patients First: Treat every pet as if they were your own, ensuring care decisions are always in their best interest.
- Integrate Expertise with Compassion: Combine surgical precision with rehabilitation and holistic therapies for complete, long-term healing.
- Build Strong Partnerships: Collaborate with referring veterinarians, specialists, and the community to deliver the best outcomes.
- Lead with Integrity: Maintain transparency, honesty, and high standards in every interaction and decision.
- Embrace Challenges as Growth: See obstacles as opportunities to innovate, learn, and strengthen your practice.
