Surgery
Operations from routine neutering to fracture repair, with assessment before anaesthesia, monitoring throughout and pain management afterwards.
Is this an emergency?
Surgery is where problems are solved that medication cannot solve. It covers everything from planned procedures such as neutering to emergency intervention after a road accident.
Procedures we carry out
Soft tissue surgery
- Neutering and spaying, in cats and dogs
- Foreign body surgery: stomach, intestine and oesophagus
- Intestinal surgery, including obstruction and one loop telescoping into another
- Bladder surgery: removal of stones, repair of the bladder
- Kidney surgery
- Eye surgery: eyelid abnormalities, replacing a prolapsed third eyelid gland, corneal and globe procedures
- Pyometra surgery and caesarean section
- Removal of benign and malignant masses
- Splenic surgery
- Hernia repair: umbilical, inguinal and perineal
- Ear surgery
- Anal sac procedures
- Repair of wounds, abscesses and skin
Orthopaedic surgery
Fracture repair, treatment of dislocations, luxating patella and ligament injuries.
Dental surgery
Extractions, root abscesses, jaw fractures and oral masses. Described on the dental care page.
X-ray and CR imaging are done at the clinic. In fractures, swallowed objects and assessment of the chest, imaging is what makes the diagnosis definite. Where the abdomen needs assessing, abdominal ultrasound is used.
Before the operation
No procedure is planned without examination and assessment. Before anaesthesia we run a blood count and biochemistry; if the liver and kidneys are not in a state to process the drugs, the anaesthetic plan is changed accordingly or the operation is postponed.
We explain what the operation will resolve, what the risks are, and how recovery will go. Ask anything on your mind before you sign the consent form.
During the operation
An anaesthetised animal is never left alone. Heart rate, breathing, oxygen saturation and body temperature are monitored throughout. Maintaining body temperature matters particularly in small breeds and older animals, since temperature falls under anaesthesia.
After the operation
Pain management is part of the operation, not an optional extra added afterwards. An animal whose pain is controlled starts eating sooner and heals faster.
Depending on the procedure your animal goes home the same day or stays with us. On discharge we give you written instructions: how to give the medication, how to check the wound, and which signs mean you should call us immediately.
Once home, call without waiting if you see any of these: the wound opening or discharging, repeated vomiting, no appetite for more than twenty four hours, signs of pain that do not settle, or any change in breathing.
Frequently asked
How long should my animal fast before surgery?
In adults, food is usually withheld for eight to twelve hours, with water available until a few hours before. In young animals and diabetics the timing is different and we tell you separately.
Is anaesthesia risky?
Every anaesthetic carries risk, but that risk is reduced substantially by the pre-operative examination, blood testing and monitoring throughout the procedure. Your animal's age and existing conditions change the anaesthetic plan.
When do the sutures come out?
Usually ten to fourteen days after surgery. Until then a collar or body suit is used to stop the animal licking the wound.