Veterinary surgery is typically performed when there is an abnormality that cannot be resolved with medications or rest alone. Often, these interventions can be lifesaving or result in significant improvement in our patients’ quality of life and longevity.
Optimising patient outcome and safety is our primary concern. Hence, surgical planning often requires the use of imaging and collaboration with other departments to accurately diagnose and effectively treat your pet. Once a diagnosis is reached, we discuss the options and tailor a treatment and recovery plan specifically to you and your pet. Surgery may be recommended to:
A Specialist Veterinary Surgeon is a qualified veterinarian who has completed additional training and education in the field of surgery. This involves a rigorous and heavily supervised residency training program under the guidance of an International college. Credentialled candidates have fulfilled all the necessary requirements to sit their board-certifying examinations. To become a board-certified specialist, candidates must pass each component of this certifying examination.
Specialist surgeons have the experience and possess the skills necessary to perform more complex surgical procedures on animals. They may also have expertise in various minimally invasive techniques and procedures, ensuring optimal results for their patients whilst also minimising patient discomfort.
Before any surgery, your pet will undergo a thorough pre-operative assessment, including a physical examination, blood work, and other necessary diagnostics. This helps ensure your pet is healthy enough for surgery and allows the anaesthesiologist to develop a safe and tailored anaesthetic plan. Our team will discuss the procedure in detail with you, address your concerns, and obtain your informed consent.
On the day of surgery, your pet will be closely monitored by our experienced surgical team and anaesthesiologist throughout the entire procedure. After surgery, they will be placed in a comfortable recovery area and monitored for pain management and vital signs.
Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) techniques use advanced tools and small incisions to perform procedures with less surgical trauma. In some cases, MIS can offer benefits over open surgeries, including precise tissue handling and visualisation, reduced post-operative pain, and faster recovery times. Our surgeons prioritise MIS techniques whenever appropriate and will discuss them with you if they are an option.
To minimise your pet’s discomfort and maximise safety associated with any procedure, we utilise a “multimodal” approach. This means we combine a variety of different drugs or techniques that all work in different ways. By doing this, we can minimise the amount of each drug used and maximise its effect. We can also improve patient comfort and safety by anticipating any painful event and having appropriate drugs in place before the event.
We work closely with specialists in veterinary anaesthesia to manage anxiety and pain from the moment your pets enter our hospital to the time you return to show us they are back to their old, vibrant selves. Some of our patients with chronic conditions require ongoing medications to maximise their quality of life, and we are here for you on that journey too.
The length of hospitalisation will depend on the complexity of the surgery and your pet’s individual recovery progress. Often, surgery patients are kept overnight after their procedure to be monitored and receive additional pain relief. We will always get your pets back to you as soon as possible without compromising their comfort and care. Our team will provide you with a detailed post-operative care plan and discharge instructions, and we are always available for you to call and discuss any concerns you may have.
In some more complex cases, pets require longer periods of hospitalisation. In these cases, we have a dedicated visiting room in which you can spend time with your pet in privacy and comfort while they recover.
We know how important a smooth recovery is for both you and your pet. Before discharge, we’ll provide personalised, written instructions covering everything you need to know. Our team will also explain these details in person and answer any questions you may have. We will then schedule a follow-up appointment based on your pet’s procedure and recovery needs. In some cases, we may work with your regular vet for ongoing care and rechecks if appropriate.
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