Surgical Services

Surgery

Our surgical suite is equipped for a wide range of procedures, delivered with meticulous attention to safety, sterility, and patient comfort. Every surgery — from a routine spay to complex soft tissue work — receives the same thorough, individualised approach.

How We Protect Your Pet

Our Commitment to Surgical Safety

Surgery involves risk, and we take that responsibility seriously. Our protocols are designed to minimise that risk at every stage — before, during, and after your pet's procedure.

Pre-Surgical Screening

Before any elective procedure, we perform a full physical examination and recommend pre-operative blood work to assess organ function and identify any conditions that may affect anaesthetic choice or surgical risk.

Tailored Anaesthetic Protocols

Every patient receives an individualised anaesthetic plan based on their species, breed, age, weight, health status, and the nature of the procedure. There is no one-size-fits-all approach at Fernwood.

Advanced Monitoring

Our surgical patients are monitored continuously throughout every procedure. We track heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and body temperature to maintain safety from induction through recovery.

Patient Warming

Hypothermia is a significant risk during surgery, particularly in smaller patients. We use active warming equipment throughout every procedure to maintain safe body temperature and support a smoother recovery.

Safety Standards

Sterile Technique & Infection Control

Surgical site infection is one of the most preventable complications in veterinary surgery. Our team adheres to strict sterilisation protocols — all surgical instruments are individually wrapped and autoclaved, the surgical suite is thoroughly cleaned between procedures, and our team works within a sterile field throughout each operation.

We use absorbable suture materials where appropriate to minimise the need for suture removal visits, and we follow evidence-based guidelines for perioperative antibiotic use to reduce the risk of post-surgical infection without contributing to antimicrobial resistance.

After Surgery

Post-Operative Care & Recovery

Recovery begins the moment surgery concludes. Our patients are moved to a warm, quiet recovery space where they are monitored closely until they are fully awake and comfortable. We assess pain levels regularly and provide appropriate analgesia throughout the recovery period.

Before you take your pet home, we provide thorough written and verbal post-operative instructions covering activity restrictions, incision care, signs to watch for, pain management, and follow-up appointments. We are always available by phone if you have concerns during recovery.

What We Offer

Surgical Procedures We Perform

We perform a broad range of surgical procedures in-clinic. For highly specialised cases, we maintain relationships with board-certified veterinary surgeons and are happy to facilitate referrals when needed.

Dentistry & Extractions

Professional dental cleanings and surgical extractions of damaged, fractured, or severely diseased teeth to restore comfort and prevent the spread of infection.

Soft Tissue Surgery

A broad range of procedures addressing the skin, abdominal organs, gastrointestinal tract, and other soft tissues. Includes mass removals, bladder surgery, and intestinal procedures.

Spay (Ovariohysterectomy)

Surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus to prevent unwanted pregnancy and significantly reduce the risk of mammary tumours and life-threatening uterine infections.

Neuter (Orchidectomy)

Removal of the testes to prevent reproduction, reduce hormone-driven behaviours, and lower the risk of prostate disease and testicular cancer.

Ocular & Periocular Surgery

Procedures addressing conditions of the eye and surrounding structures, including eyelid abnormalities, cherry eye repair, and entropion correction.

Surgery

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age should I spay or neuter my pet?+

We typically recommend spaying or neutering between 4 and 6 months of age for cats and small-breed dogs. For large and giant-breed dogs, we may suggest waiting until they are closer to full skeletal maturity. We will discuss the best timing for your individual pet during a consultation.

What should I do to prepare my pet for surgery?+

Your pet will need to fast from food the evening before the procedure, though water is usually allowed until the morning. We run pre-surgical blood work to confirm your pet is safe for anaesthesia, and our team will provide detailed preparation instructions when your surgery is booked.

How long is the recovery after a spay or neuter surgery?+

Most pets recover within 10 to 14 days. During that time, you will need to limit exercise, prevent licking of the incision site with an e-collar, and attend a follow-up appointment so we can confirm everything is healing properly.

Will my pet be in pain after surgery?+

We use a multimodal pain management approach that includes medications before, during, and after surgery to keep your pet comfortable. You will go home with pain relief medication and clear instructions, and our team is available if you have any concerns during recovery.

Questions About Your Pet's Surgery?

Our team is happy to answer any questions you have about a procedure, recovery expectations, or what to prepare before surgery day.