Common Types of Veterinary Surgeries
🐾 Routine Surgeries
Routine procedures are an essential part of preventive healthcare and responsible pet ownership. These surgeries are typically scheduled in advance and help maintain long-term health.
• Dental surgery: Cleanings and extractions are often necessary to maintain oral health and prevent infections or tooth decay.
• Mass removal: Benign lumps or growths can be safely removed to avoid discomfort or potential complications.
• Hernia repairs: A common surgical procedure used to correct hernias in dogs and cats, whether congenital or acquired. It involves repositioning displaced abdominal contents and closing the defect to restore normal anatomy and prevent complications.
🐾 Spaying and Neutering: a smart choice for your pet’s health and happiness
Spaying and neutering are among the most common and beneficial procedures in veterinary medicine. These surgeries not only help prevent unwanted litters but also reduce the risk of certain cancers and improve behavioural outcomes.
Choosing to spay or neuter your pet is a responsible step toward supporting their long-term health and wellbeing. At Triovet, we offer expert surgical care for cats, dogs and rabbits, delivered with safety, compassion and a personalised approach to meet each pet’s unique needs.
What are spaying and neutering?
Spaying is the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus in female pets, preventing pregnancy and contributing to long-term health benefits.
Neutering involves the removal of the testicles in male pets, eliminating their ability to reproduce and helping to reduce certain behavioural and medical issues.
Both procedures are common, safe and performed by our experienced veterinarians, ensuring your pet’s health and safety throughout the process.
🗓️ General guidelines for when to spay or neuter your pet
The ideal timing for spaying or neutering varies based on species, breed and individual health. Below are general recommendations to help guide responsible pet care:
🐶 Dogs
• Females: spaying is typically advised before the first heat cycle, around 6–12 months, to lower the risk of mammary tumours.
• Males: neutering is usually performed between 6–12 months. For large breeds, waiting until full maturity may help reduce joint-related issues.
🐱 Cats
• Females: spaying is recommended at 5–6 months, before the first heat, to prevent unwanted litters and reduce the risk of mammary cancer.
• Males: neutering can be done as early as 5–6 months. Early intervention helps curb territorial marking and aggressive behaviour.
🐰 Rabbits
• Females: spaying between 4–6 months is important, as female rabbits are prone to uterine cancer.
• Males: neutering is typically done at 3–6 months to reduce aggression and territorial behaviour, especially in multi-rabbit homes.
For personalised advice, it is always best to consult with our veterinarian team, who can recommend the most appropriate timing based on your pet’s unique needs.
🚨 Emergency Surgeries
When unexpected illness or injury occurs, timely surgical intervention can be life-saving. Our team is equipped to respond quickly and effectively.
• Foreign Body Removal: pets may ingest objects that become lodged in the digestive tract, requiring prompt surgical removal.
• Bloat Surgery (GDV): a critical condition in dogs where the stomach twists, emergency surgery is essential to correct it.
• Trauma Repair: severe injuries such as fractures or deep wounds often require surgical treatment to restore function and comfort.
• Pyometra: a serious uterine infection affecting unspayed cats and dogs, often triggered by hormonal changes after a heat cycle. It requires emergency surgery to remove the infected uterus and ovaries. Around 25% of unspayed pets develop pyometra by age 10. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential for the best outcomes.
• Exploratory laparotomy: abdominal exploratory surgery is a major procedure performed under general anaesthesia to diagnose and sometimes treat internal issues. It allows us to visually examine the abdominal organs, remove obstructions or masses and collect biopsy samples when needed. This surgery is often recommended when imaging suggests a possible blockage, such as a swallowed object, or when further investigation is needed to assess internal abnormalities like masses or inflammation. Early intervention can be both diagnostic and life-saving.
• Splenectomy: is the surgical removal of the spleen, an organ that helps filter blood and support immunity. While pets, especially dogs, can live well without it, they may face a higher risk of infection and need extra care. As with any major surgery, close monitoring and follow-up are key to a safe recovery.
• Cystotomy: this common surgical procedure involves opening the bladder and is aimed at removing bladder stones or performing bladder biopsies.
🦴 Orthopaedic Surgeries
Orthopaedic procedures address issues related to bones and joints, often caused by injury or congenital conditions. Some examples of orthapaedic surgies:
• Fracture Repair: broken bones are surgically stabilised to ensure proper healing, especially in active pets.
• Cruciate Ligament Repair: common in larger dog breeds, this surgery restores stability to the knee after ligament damage.
• Hip Dysplasia Surgery: for pets with malformed hip joints, surgical correction can relieve pain and improve mobility.
