Veterinary Surgery

Expert surgery. Compassionate care. Tailored recovery.

At Veterinary Specialists of Sydney (VSOS), we perform complex and specialised surgical procedures with a singular goal: to give your pet the best possible outcome,  with less stress and faster healing. From advanced orthopaedics to cutting-edge soft tissue and neurological surgeries, we’re equipped to handle even the most challenging cases.

Whether it’s a scheduled consult or an emergency, our expert team is here to support you and your pet every step of the way.

What types of surgeries do we perform?

Our surgery department is led by specialists who are trained to perform intricate procedures using state-of-the-art techniques and equipment. These include:

Orthopaedic surgeries

  • TPLO (Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy) for cruciate ligament injuries
  • MPL (Medial Patella Luxation) repair
  • Fracture repairs (internal fixation, plates, pins)
  • Hip replacements and hip bypass procedures

Guides:  Orthopaedic Procedure Guide, TPLO X-Ray Guide, Total Hip Replacement Guide

Soft tissue & minimally invasive surgeries

  • Laparoscopic (keyhole) gastropexies
  • Mass removals
  • Reconstructive surgery

Neurosurgery

  • Hemilaminectomies for intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
  • Spinal fracture repair and decompression
  • Tumour removals (where appropriate)

Mitral valve repair (open-heart surgery)

We are the only veterinary hospital in NSW offering mitral valve repair, a rare and highly advanced open-heart procedure performed by Dr Nobu Kano and his Japanese surgical team. This life-saving operation is available quarterly and has already given many pets a new lease on life.

How to access our surgery services

There are three main pathways to VSOS:

Emergency walk-in

If your pet is critically injured (e.g. hit by a car), you can bring them straight to our Emergency & Critical Care team. Once stabilised, we’ll organise imaging and refer them internally to our surgery specialists as needed, all under one roof.

Referral from your vet

Your general practice vet may refer you to us if your pet needs surgery beyond their scope. In that case, our team will consult with you, coordinate directly with your vet, and carry out the procedure here.

Self-referred or direct booking

If you know your pet needs surgery, or suspect it - you can contact our reception team directly. We'll organise a consultation with the appropriate specialist and guide you from there. You do not need a formal referral to book.

What to expect at your pet’s surgical consultation

If your pet is booked in for a non-emergency assessment:

  • You’ll be welcomed into a calm, pet-friendly consultation room.
  • You’ll meet the surgery specialist and often a resident-in-training (a vet training to become a specialist).
  • Your pet will be examined thoroughly.
  • The team will explain the diagnosis, treatment options, risks, and recovery expectations, and answer any questions you may have.
  • If surgery is required, we’ll talk you through the next steps.

Unless previously arranged, there’s no need to fast your pet for the initial consultation - unless your appointment is scheduled as a consult and surgery on the same day.

Common surgeries we see at VSOS

We treat a wide variety of surgical cases, but some of the most common include:

  • TPLOs (for cruciate ligament tears)
  • BOAS (brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome) surgeries
  • Hemilaminectomies (spinal disc decompression)
  • Fracture repairs
  • Soft tissue mass removals
  • Mitral valve repairs (open-heart)
  • Minimally invasive gastropexies and bladder surgeries

Many cases are unexpected - an accident, a fall, or a sudden onset of symptoms. But whatever brings you to us, our goal remains the same: to help your pet recover and thrive.

Your concerns answered

We understand the fears that come with pet surgery. The most common concerns we hear from pet parents include:

  • “How will my pet cope away from me?”
  • “What will it cost?”
  • “What is recovery like?”

Here’s how we help ease those worries:

Compassionate care

We treat every pet like our own — with cuddles, comfort, and close observation. Our team of specialist nurses and recovery staff make sure your pet is never alone or overlooked.

Fixed-price certainty

VSOS offers fixed-price surgery packages.  Meaning the cost is clear and covers everything from admission through to discharge. No hidden fees, no surprises. Whether you have insurance or not, we’ll guide you through the process, and can even assist with pre-approvals.

Gold-standard post-operative care

Just like humans, dogs need structured recovery plans after orthopaedic or neurological procedures. Our post-op care team includes rehabilitation experts who provide tailored support, including rest protocols, home exercises, and physiotherapy when needed - helping pets get back to their best, faster and safer.

The technology and expertise that sets us apart

  • Specialist anaesthetists
    On-site Monday to Friday, they customise every anaesthetic plan and ensure your pet receives the safest, most appropriate care during surgery.
  • Dedicated anaesthetic nurses
    They monitor vitals and comfort continuously throughout the procedure.
  • Advanced surgical tools
    Including high-definition operating microscopes used for spinal and brain surgery, allowing precise, minimally disruptive intervention.
  • Specialist post-op monitoring
    Our recovery nurses provide constant care after surgery, managing pain and watching closely for signs of discomfort or complications.
The technology and expertise that sets us apart
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