Referral

If you, as a pet parent, would like to organise a referral for your pet, please contact your normal vet to discuss a referral or second opinion. We can then arrange an appointment for a consultation or examination. Has your dog or cat been diagnosed with a torn cruciate ligament, a fracture or a tumour (cancer) and you want to know whether an operation would be helpful? Would you like your dog to have a laparoscopic castration instead of an open operation? Please get in touch via email or the form below.

Second opinion

A second opinion from a veterinarian or specialist is useful if there is uncertainty regarding the diagnosis, the recommended treatment or the medical standards applied during the treatment of your pet. Particularly in complex situations, or where conservative (non-surgical) or surgical treatment has failed, an independent assessment by a specialist can help to utilise the available diagnostic and treatment options. To enable a well-founded second opinion, the medical history and all relevant previous findings and treatments are required for assessment.

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    Information about specific procedures

    Laparoscopic spay

    Laparoscopic neutering of the bitch has been available for decades but remains less common than traditional open surgery. Laparoscopic neuter is typically performed using two or three portals (surgical openings) along the belly midline. Less commonly a single-portal technique is performed, with the incision at or near the umbilicus. The ovary is visualised using a camera and grasped and removed using high-end surgical instruments. The uterus is only removed if pathology is present.

    Five Benefits of a Laparoscopic spay

    • Experience shows and scientific studies confirm that laparoscopic surgery is less painful than traditional surgery
    • Faster recovery has been demonstrated, therefore less rest time is required postoperatively.
    • There is a lower incidence of wound complications and if complications occur in general, they are less serious than with open surgery.
    • One study demonstrated that biochemical indicators of overall tissue trauma were lower in laparoscopically spayed dogs, therefore confirming that the burden to the body is smaller using this method
    • · We use a single-portal technique, further minimising tissue trauma

    Cranial cruciate ligament rupture – TPLO

    Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) disease is a prevalent cause of hind limb lameness in dogs, often resulting from ligament degeneration or less commonly acute injury. CCL rupture results in stifle instability, resulting in pain and osteoarthritis. Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) is the widely adapted gold standard surgical procedure performed to stabilise the stifle joint in dogs with CCL rupture. TPLO alters the biomechanics of the knee to provide stability without relying on the damaged ligament. Studies have repeatedly demonstrated the superiority of TPLO over other surgical methods such as extracapsular stabilisation or tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA).

    Five Benefits of TPLO Surgery:

    • TPLO has been shown to restore normal limb function more effectively than some other surgical methods
    • Dogs undergoing TPLO very often return to pre-injury activity levels, including working and sporting activities in performance dogs
    • TPLO slows the progression of osteoarthritis in the affected joint, compared to no surgery, or other alternative methods
    • Low risk of complications – The risk of complications with TPLO is low, and if complications occur they are usually less serious compared to other methods, rarely requiring another surgical intervention
    • TPLO is suitable for dogs of all sizes, ages and activity levels

    Patella Luxation

    Medial patellar luxation (MPL) is a common orthopedic condition in dogs, characterized by the displacement of the patella (kneecap) from its normal position within the femoral groove, leading to lameness and discomfort. This condition often has congenital component and is prevalent in small and toy breeds, though it can affect dogs of all sizes.​

    ​Surgical intervention is typically recommended for dogs exhibiting clinical signs. The primary goals of surgery are to realign the patella, restore normal limb function, and prevent the progression of osteoarthritis.​ Most cases can be managed by conventional techniques (Tibial tuberosity transposition, Trochleoplasty, Capsuloplasty) but some may require advanced procedures, such as correction of bone deformities.

    Five Benefits of Surgical Correction for MPL:

    • Surgical correction often results in significant improvement in limb function, reducing lameness and discomfort
    • By stabilizing the patella in its physiological position, surgery alleviates pain associated with luxation and abnormal joint mechanics
    • Dogs after surgery typically experience an enhanced quality of life, with increased mobility and activity levels
    • Timely surgical intervention can slow or prevent cartilage damage and the progression of osteoarthritis in the affected joint
    • Correcting MPL surgically helps prevent secondary issues such as cranial cruciate ligament rupture, which is more likely in dogs with chronic patellar instability.