1/115 Bowden St Meadowbank

Surgery

 

 

Surgery can feel like a big step for any pet owner. Whether your pet needs a planned procedure or surgery has been recommended after a health concern, clear communication matters.

At True Companion Vets, we provide surgical care with a calm, thoughtful and personalised approach. Our team takes the time to explain what has been recommended, why it may be needed and what to expect before and after your pet’s procedure.

We understand that every pet, owner and situation is different. Our role is to help you make informed decisions, support your pet through their care and provide practical guidance during recovery.

Close-up of vet in scrubs picking up surgical scissors in a veterinary hospital room

Soft Tissue Surgery

Soft tissue surgery refers to procedures involving the skin, soft tissues, and other non-bone structures.

When soft tissue surgery is recommended, we will discuss your pet’s condition, the reason for the procedure and the expected care involved. Depending on your pet’s needs, diagnostic testing or imaging may also be recommended to help plan their treatment and support decision-making.

Our focus is on providing careful surgical care while keeping owners informed at each stage. We aim to make the process feel as clear and manageable as possible, from the initial consultation through to recovery advice at home.

Dog And Cat Desexing

Desexing is a common surgical procedure for both dogs and cats. It may be recommended as part of your pet’s preventative healthcare plan, depending on their age, breed, health and lifestyle.

At True Companion Vets, desexing advice is tailored to your pet as an individual. We can discuss timing, what the procedure involves and what you can expect during recovery, so you feel confident about the decision.

Dogs and cats can have different considerations when it comes to desexing. For puppies and dogs, timing may depend on factors such as breed, size, development and general health. For kittens and cats, desexing is often discussed as part of early preventative care and responsible pet ownership.

If you have a new puppy or kitten, desexing can be included in their early healthcare planning. This gives you time to ask questions and understand what may be appropriate for your pet, without feeling rushed into a decision.

There is no single answer that suits every pet. We will guide you through the options and explain what is relevant to your companion, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.

Desexed puppy wearing e-collar after surgery in vet clinic

Supporting Your Pet Before And After Surgery

Good preparation and aftercare can have just as much influence on recovery as the procedure itself.

Before surgery, we will explain what your pet may need and answer any questions you have. After surgery, we will provide guidance around rest, monitoring and recovery at home.

Our team is here to support both you and your pet throughout the process. By combining clear communication, personalised care and a steady approach, we aim to help owners feel prepared and reassured.

Surgical Care Close To Home

True Companion Vets is an independent veterinary clinic in Meadowbank, built around high-quality care, modern clinical support and lasting relationships with local pet owners.

For many families, having access to surgical care in a familiar local clinic can make the experience feel less overwhelming. We focus on trust, continuity and practical communication, so you understand your pet’s care and the next steps involved.

To discuss surgery or desexing for your pet, contact our team by phone, email or online booking.

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Real Pets, Real Stories, Real Outcomes.

Every pet has their own story, and every health journey is different. Here, we share some of our real patient stories, from unexpected diagnoses and hidden health problems to successful recoveries and life-changing treatments.

Decorative eclipse Decorative paw

I came to have my dog ​​spayed and it was very reassuring to have the whole process explained to me, as it’s my first time having pets and I was quite nervous. They also explained what steps to take at home to make the recovery as comfortable and pleasant as possible for my pet. I felt very calm with the care they gave my fur baby.

James - Roxy's Human

My cat Luna always very scared at vet. Doctor and nurse very gentle and give her time to calm down. My English not very good, but doctor explain everything slowly and make sure I understand. I feel much less worried. Thank you!

Mei - Luna's Human

My dog ​​had been itchy for quite some time, chewing on his paws and having some irritated skin. We went to the vet, and they explained that there could be several causes, from environmental allergies to dietary issues or other skin conditions. They offered us different options to investigate the cause while we monitored the symptoms. We started the recommended treatment and some at-home care measures. I especially appreciated that they looked for the underlying cause and didn’t just try to temporarily relieve the itching, as I had given up trying unnecessarily numerous products that didn’t help. Thanks to them, we finally identified the real problem.

Carmen - Samson's Human

My dog ​​started shaking his head a lot and scratching one of his ears. He also had crusty skin inside his ear. At the vet clinic, they examined his ear and explained that he had otitis. They offered to clean it and use the specific treatment for the infection, also explaining that it was important to monitor his progress to prevent it from becoming a recurring problem. They also explained how to properly clean his ear and what symptoms should prompt me to return for a follow-up appointment. The treatment worked very well, and he stopped bothering himself within a few days.

Leon - Max's Human

I took my cat to the vet because he’d been trying to urinate for hours and couldn’t. At the clinic, they told us he had an obstruction and would first try to fix it with a catheter, but it wasn’t enough and he was obstructed again a few weeks later. They finally had to operate to prevent the problem from recurring. He was hospitalised for a few days, and then they gave us medication and feeding guidelines. We were quite upset that we hadn’t realised his condition sooner, but the operation went well, and now he’s perfectly fine. The staff was very kind and reassured us by letting us know that this problem is more common in cats than it seems and that we shouldn’t feel guilty. We’re very happy with the outcome of the treatment and the care they gave my cat throughout the entire process.

Ashley - Ginger's Human

The vet showed us Coco’s dental images and explained exactly which teeth were causing the problem. We received updates throughout the day and clear instructions when we took her home.

Olivia - Coco's Human

Have Questions? We're Here To Help.

What Types Of Pet Surgery Do You Provide?

At True Companion Vets, we perform soft tissue surgery and desexing for dogs and cats. If your pet requires surgery, we will begin with a thorough consultation and examination and, where appropriate, recommend diagnostic testing or imaging to better understand their condition.

If we determine your pet would benefit from a procedure outside the scope of the services we provide, we will discuss the available options, develop an appropriate treatment plan and continue to support you throughout the process. Our goal is to ensure you feel informed, supported and confident in the decisions being made for your pet’s care.

What Is Soft Tissue Surgery For Pets?

Soft tissue surgery refers to procedures involving non-bone structures, such as skin and soft tissues. The exact recommendation depends on your pet’s condition, examination findings and any diagnostic information needed to guide care.

When Should I Desex My Puppy Or Kitten?

Puppies and kittens are commonly desexed from around four to six months of age, although the most appropriate timing can vary depending on your pet’s species, breed, size, development and overall health. In some situations, your veterinarian may recommend desexing at a different stage based on your pet’s individual needs.

During your puppy or kitten consultations, we’ll discuss the most appropriate timing for your pet, explain the reasons behind our recommendation and answer any questions you may have before making a decision.

How Long Does It Take A Pet To Recover From Desexing?

Recovery times vary by pet and procedure. Most pets feel much more comfortable within a few days, but activity restrictions and wound care are often required during the healing period. We will provide personalised recovery instructions and explain what to expect once your pet returns home.

How Should I Care For My Pet After Surgery?

After surgery, you will be given detailed instructions based on your pet’s procedure and individual needs. Most pets are quieter than usual after surgery and may sleep more, have a reduced appetite or seem slightly unsettled while anaesthetic and pain relief medications wear off.

Rest is an important part of recovery. Running, jumping, and other strenuous activities may need to be restricted for a period of time, and you should monitor your pet’s surgical site for any swelling, discharge or signs of irritation. We will explain what to expect during recovery and any specific aftercare recommendations for your pet before they return home.

How Much Exercise Can My Pet Have After Surgery?

Activity restrictions are often an important part of recovery after surgery. Running, jumping, and rough play may place unnecessary strain on healing tissues, even when pets appear to be feeling well. We will provide clear guidance based on your pet’s procedure and recovery needs.

Let's Talk About Your Pet

Whether you’re looking for a new veterinarian, need to book an appointment or have a question about your pet’s health, we’d love to hear from you.


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