Meet
Dr. Nic
Cabano

Dr. Nic R. Cabano joins Colorado Canine Orthopedics as Medical Director and Associate Surgeon, following his retirement from the United States Army in 2024. He was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area and graduated from the University of California Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine. He completed his surgical residency at Colorado State University and serves as adjunct faculty for the Penn Vet Working Dog Center.

Considered a subject matter expert on working dog clinical operations, Dr. Cabano’s commitment to the canine tactical athlete has shaped his military and professional career, with key appointments as Director for the Department of Defense Military Working Dog Veterinary Service and Attending Veterinarian for the US Army Medical Department Center and School in San Antonio, Texas. His passion for working dog wellness led to his becoming a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2013, and the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation in 2017.

As a surgeon and rehabilitation specialist, Dr. Cabano is experienced in shepherding a variety of patients through advanced recovery programs involving orthopedic and neurologic conditions (surgical and non-surgical). He is committed to safeguarding animal welfare and the human-animal bond with each patient encounter. His enduring interests center on canine athletes and maximizing outcomes through conditioning for injury prevention and enhanced mission capabilities, trauma and wound healing, and management of orthopedic conditions (particularly stifle and lumbosacral diseases). He has authored numerous peer-reviewed journal publications and book chapters, and is an internationally recognized speaker on canine clinical care.

The Cabano family is thrilled to return to Colorado as their forever home. His partner Emily is a sport and clinical psychologist in the region; and their doggy daughters, Luna and Minerva, offer endless mischief to manage. When not spending time training in the gym, the Cabano family enjoys outdoor adventures and exploring the local culinary scene.