Kyla Ortved – Shaping the Future of Equine Orthopaedics
DVM, PhD, DACVS, DACVSMR
Few professionals in large animal surgery have shaped the future of equine orthopedics as profoundly as Kyla Ortved, DVM, PhD, DACVS, DACVSMR.
As an Associate Professor of Large Animal Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania’s renowned New Bolton Center, she has earned international respect for her expertise in orthopedic disease, her pioneering research in cartilage repair, and her unwavering commitment to advancing equine health through evidence-based innovation.
Today, Kyla Ortved is not only a clinician and researcher, she is a thought leader whose work continues to influence how veterinarians understand, diagnose, and treat musculoskeletal injury and degenerative joint disease in horses.
A Career Built on Academic Excellence and Surgical Precision
Kyla Ortved’s path to becoming one of the foremost experts in her field began at the University of Guelph, where she completed her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2006. She then moved into advanced surgical training at Cornell University, finishing her large animal surgical residency in 2010.
Her skill, dedication, and clinical proficiency led to board certification with the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) the following year.
What sets Kyla Ortved apart is her deep commitment not only to clinical practice but also to scientific discovery. After completing her residency, she embarked on a rigorous PhD program at Cornell, focusing on gene therapy for equine cartilage repair.
This work laid the foundation for what would become her signature research focus: understanding the biological mechanisms behind osteoarthritis and developing regenerative solutions that could transform long-term outcomes for equine athletes.
In 2016, she expanded her credentials even further by becoming board-certified with the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (ACVSMR), reinforcing her expertise in performance-related injuries and rehabilitation strategies.
A Central Figure at New Bolton Center
Kyla Ortved joined the faculty of New Bolton Center, part of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, in 2016 as an equine orthopedic surgeon. Her arrival marked an important moment for the institution, which has long been recognized as one of the world’s top centers for large animal care and research.
Only three years later, her leadership and contributions were formally recognized when she was appointed the Jacques Jenny Endowed Chair of Orthopedic Surgery, an honor reserved for faculty who demonstrate exceptional achievement and promise in their field.
She is also a Founding Fellow in Minimally Invasive Surgery for Large Animal Orthopedics, underscoring her role in advancing cutting-edge surgical techniques.
At New Bolton Center, Kyla Ortved balances a demanding clinical caseload with a robust research program. Her surgical work spans the full spectrum of equine orthopedics, from treating acute injuries to managing complex chronic conditions that affect performance horses.
Pioneering Research in Osteoarthritis and Regenerative Therapies
Equine osteoarthritis remains one of the most challenging conditions in veterinary medicine, affecting horses across disciplines and life stages. Kyla Ortved has positioned herself at the forefront of efforts to combat this disease, dedicating her research career to uncovering its underlying mechanisms and developing therapies that address the root causes, not just the symptoms.
Her laboratory focuses on gene and cell-based approaches designed to enhance cartilage repair and slow, or even prevent, the progression of degenerative joint disease. By studying the molecular pathways involved in cartilage deterioration and regeneration, she aims to create treatment strategies that offer long-term, sustainable improvement for equine patients.
This blend of clinical expertise and scientific innovation makes Kyla Ortved a sought-after speaker at veterinary conferences, research symposia, and industry events. Her ability to translate complex science into practical application has inspired veterinary surgeons, researchers, and equine professionals around the world.
Kyla Ortved: A Trusted Authority in Large Animal Orthopedics
Whether she is performing advanced surgery, mentoring the next generation of veterinarians, or driving forward the science of cartilage repair, Kyla Ortved exemplifies the highest standards of excellence in veterinary medicine. Her work continues to expand the possibilities for equine orthopedic care, offering new hope for horses facing injury or degenerative disease.
With her extensive credentials, groundbreaking research, and leadership within the New Bolton Center community, Kyla Ortved stands as one of the most influential figures shaping the future of equine sports medicine and regenerative therapies today.
Kyla Ortved is a faculty speaker in the Equine Lameness Program. If you wish to elevate your lameness diagnostic skills and learn directly from her, Dr. Chris Pollitt and Laurie Goodrich make sure to explore the Equine Lameness Program. This the most comprehensive, case-based training pathway designed to help veterinarians make a measurable difference to the horses in their care.