The Small Animal Surgery Service at the WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre provides a range of soft tissue and orthopedic surgical procedures for small animals.

Elective procedures

Small animal patients undergoing elective surgical procedures usually stay at the WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre for one to three days. When possible, the surgical team also offers minimally invasive surgical alternatives.

• Canine and feline spays (ovariohysterectomy/ovariectomy)
• Canine and feline castration

Orthopedic surgery

The WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre provides a range of orthopedic surgeries for small animal patients.

• Simple and complex fracture repair: bone plates, interlocking nail, linear and circular external fixators
• Cranial cruciate ligament stabilization: tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO), lateral suture repair
• Patellar luxation repair
• Arthroscopy: medial coronoid disease (elbow dysplasia), osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), meniscal tear
• Hip dysplasia surgery: triple pelvic osteotomy, femoral head and neck excision (FHNE), total hip replacement
• Neurosurgery: intervertebral disc prolapse, spinal fractures, tumours, spinal instability
• Corrective surgery for growth abnormalities
• Limb-sparing or limb amputation surgery

Soft tissue surgery

The WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre provides a range of soft tissue surgical procedures for dogs, cats and other small animals.

• Gastrointestinal surgery: removal of foreign bodies and other causes of obstruction, bloat (gastric dilation volvulus or GDV)
• Minimally invasive abdominal and thoracic surgery: laparoscopy and thoracoscopy
• Surgical oncology: tumour removal and reconstruction
• Abdominal surgery: liver lobectomy, liver shunt attenuation, gallbladder removal, splenectomy
• Cardiothoracic surgery: patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), surgical esophageal disorders, pacemakers, lung lobectomy
• Reconstructive surgery after major trauma
• Upper airway surgery

Critical Care

Canine and feline patients may be hospitalized in the ICU.

• Critical Care

Rehabilitation

WCVM pet rehabilitation programs are available for small animals that are recovering from orthopedic surgery or other procedures.

• Rehabilitation

The WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre's clinical team members are dedicated, compassionate people with specialized training and a diverse range of experiences. In addition to providing our patients with high-quality care and support, we are helping to train Western Canada's next generation of veterinary professionals.

• Our Team

While the WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre shares many similarities to other veterinary hospitals, there are some differences that may have an impact on your appointment.

• What to Expect in General
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Soft Tissue Surgery