top of page

surgery

general surgery

General Surgery

At Honeydew Animal Clinic, we provide safe, precise, and compassionate

surgical care for your pets. Our experienced veterinary team performs a wide range of procedures—from routine spays and neuters to more advanced soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries. Using state-of-the-art equipment and modern anaesthetic protocols, we prioritize your pet’s comfort and safety before, during, and after surgery, ensuring the best possible outcomes and a smooth recovery.

Soft Tissue Surgery

Honeydew Animal Clinic offers a variety of surgical procedures, including soft tissue surgery, spaying and neutering, as well as oral, thoracic, abdominal, and superficial surgeries. We also are experienced in traumatic and reconstructive surgery, as well as pathological procedures. Our experienced team of veterinarians is dedicated to providing the best possible care for your furry friend. 

Ophthalmic Surgery

At Honeydew Animal Clinic, we provide comprehensive eye care for pets, addressing a wide range of conditions affecting the eyes and vision. From routine eye exams to the diagnosis and treatment of infections, injuries, or chronic eye diseases, our goal is to protect and preserve your pet’s sight while ensuring their comfort and overall well-being.

Laser Surgery

At our clinic, we offer laser surgery as a safe and effective treatment for a variety of skin conditions, including warts, skin tags, and chronic skin cancers. One of the key benefits of this advanced technique is that it can reduce post-operative pain, as the laser seals nerve endings during the procedure. If you’re looking for a precise, minimally invasive option to address your pet’s skin condition, laser surgery provides a reliable and comfortable solution.

Ear Nose & Throat (ENT) Surgery

Dogs with brachycephalic breeds—such as Boston Terriers, Bulldogs, Pekingese, and Pugs—are particularly prone to Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), a condition that can cause breathing difficulties and other upper airway problems. Surgical interventions, such as nasal aperture widening, soft palate resection, and nasal fold removal, can help relieve these obstructions and significantly improve a dog’s quality of life.

If your pet shows signs of respiratory distress or other ENT issues, it’s important to seek veterinary advice to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for their health and comfort.

advanced procedures

Advanced Procedures

KNEE (STIFLE) SURGERY

Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) ruptures and Patellar luxation and are among the most common orthopedic conditions affecting dogs.

​

The CCL plays a crucial role in stabilizing the knee joint and enabling smooth, controlled movement. When this ligament tears, the knee becomes unstable, often leading to pain, swelling, and limited mobility. CCL injuries are frequently seen in dogs and may occur suddenly—from activities such as jumping, twisting, or abrupt direction changes - or develop gradually due to chronic wear and degeneration over time.

​

The patella, or kneecap, is a small bone situated where the quadriceps muscles of the thigh meet the tendon that attaches to the tibia (shinbone). It assists in proper knee mechanics and helps maintain correct limb alignment. Patellar luxation occurs when the kneecap temporarily or permanently slips out of its normal position, potentially causing abnormal cartilage wear, arthritis, and increased strain on other knee structures. While dogs of any breed or age can be affected, patellar luxation is especially common in small and toy breeds.

​​Surgical Treatment Options for Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) Tears​

Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tears are one of the most common causes of hind-limb lameness in dogs. The CCL stabilizes the knee joint (stifle) and prevents the femur (thigh bone) from sliding forward on the tibia (shin bone). When it tears—whether from injury or gradual weakening—the knee becomes unstable, painful, and prone to arthritis.

There are two main surgical methods commonly used to restore stability to the knee: TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) and Extracapsular Repair (Lateral Suture Technique) using FiberWire®. Both surgeries aim to eliminate pain, improve mobility, and prevent further joint damage, but they do so in different ways.

​

Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO)​

TPLO surgery is often recommended for medium to large dogs, or highly active dogs of any size. Instead of replacing the damaged ligament, the TPLO changes how the knee bears weight.

During surgery, the top of the tibia is carefully cut, rotated, and then stabilized with a metal plate and screws. This changes the angle of the tibial plateau, preventing the femur from sliding forward when the dog walks or runs. Once healed, the knee remains stable without relying on the torn ligament.

Benefits of TPLO:

  • Provides excellent, long-term joint stability

  • Suitable for active or athletic dogs

  • Allows faster return to normal activity compared to traditional repairs

  • Reduces the risk of arthritis progression when combined with proper rehab

Recovery:
Strict rest is required for the first 6–8 weeks, followed by a gradual rehabilitation plan to rebuild strength and range of motion. Most dogs begin walking comfortably within a few weeks and return to full activity in 4–6 months.

​

Extracapsular Repair (Lateral Suture Technique with FiberWire®)​

The extracapsular, or “outside the joint,” technique is most commonly used in small to medium-sized dogs or less active larger dogs. In this procedure, a strong synthetic suture—often FiberWire®—is placed around the knee joint to mimic the function of the original ligament and hold the bones in proper alignment during healing.

FiberWire® is a modern surgical material made from an advanced composite that is extremely strong, durable, and resistant to stretching or breaking. This helps maintain stable joint movement while the surrounding tissues form scar tissue to permanently support the knee.

Benefits of Extracapsular Repair:

  • Less invasive and shorter surgery time than TPLO

  • Cost-effective and reliable for smaller or less active dogs

  • Uses advanced, durable materials like FiberWire® for improved stability

Recovery:
As with TPLO, recovery requires rest and controlled movement for several weeks, followed by physiotherapy and gradual exercise. Most dogs recover well and return to normal activities within 3–6 months.

​

Choosing the right surgery​

The best surgical option depends on your dog’s size, age, activity level, and degree of knee damage.

  • TPLO is often preferred for large, athletic, or working dogs that place high stress on their joints.

  • Extracapsular Repair (especially with FiberWire®) is an excellent option for small to medium-sized dogs or those with a more moderate activity level.

Your veterinarian or orthopedic surgeon will evaluate your dog’s condition and help you decide which procedure will offer the best long-term comfort and mobility.​​

​

​​​

Corrective Surgery for Luxating Patella​

A luxating patella (dislocated kneecap) can cause pain, abnormal leg movement, and long-term joint problems such as arthritis. When conservative management (like weight control and physical therapy) isn’t enough, surgery can help restore normal alignment, reduce pain, and improve mobility. There are several surgical techniques, often used in combination, depending on your dog’s anatomy and the severity of the luxation.

​

Key Surgical Techniques​

1. RidgeStop® Implant

  • A RidgeStop® implant is a small, biocompatible device designed to help keep the kneecap in its proper position.

  • It acts as a physical barrier that prevents the patella from slipping out of place, providing additional stability during healing.

2. Tibial Tuberosity Transposition (TTT)

  • In this procedure, the front part of the tibia (shin bone) where the patellar tendon attaches is repositioned.

  • Moving it slightly outward or inward helps the patella track correctly within its groove as the leg bends and straightens.

3. Trochleoplasty

  • Trochleoplasty reshapes the groove in the femur (thigh bone) where the kneecap sits.

  • By deepening or contouring the groove, the patella is less likely to slip out of place, improving stability and reducing wear on the joint cartilage.

4. Lateral Capsular Imbrication

  • This technique tightens the soft tissues on the outer side of the knee joint to hold the patella in place.

  • Often used alongside other procedures, it helps reinforce the knee and prevent future luxation.​

​

Recovery and Prognosis

Recovery from patellar luxation surgery usually takes several weeks to months, depending on the severity of the luxation and the number of techniques used. Post-operative care typically includes:

  • Restricted activity and leash walks for the first 6–8 weeks

  • Physiotherapy or controlled exercises to rebuild strength and flexibility

  • Weight management to reduce stress on the knee

  • Most dogs recover well and regain normal or near-normal leg function, with a significant reduction in pain and lameness.​

HIP SURGERY

Hip dysplasia is a common orthopedic condition that affects the hip joints of dogs, especially larger breeds. It occurs when the ball and socket of the hip joint don’t fit together properly, leading to looseness (instability) in the joint. Over time, this instability causes abnormal wear, pain, and arthritis.

The condition often develops as a dog grows, and both genetics and environmental factors—such as rapid growth, poor diet, excessive exercise, or being overweight—can play a role. Some dogs begin showing signs of hip dysplasia as puppies, while others don’t develop noticeable symptoms until adulthood.

​

Femoral Head and Neck Excision (FHNE)

Femoral head and neck excision, often called FHNE or femoral head ostectomy (FHO), is a surgical procedure used to relieve pain in a dog’s hip joint. It involves removing the “ball” part of the hip joint—the femoral head and neck—so that the painful bone-on-bone contact is eliminated. Over time, a false joint made of scar tissue and surrounding muscles forms, allowing the dog to move comfortably again.

This surgery is most often recommended for dogs with severe hip problems, such as hip dysplasia, fractures, chronic dislocation, or arthritis, when joint repair or replacement isn’t possible or would not provide a good outcome.

​

Benefits and Recovery
FHNE can provide excellent pain relief and restore mobility, especially for small to medium-sized dogs and cats. Larger dogs can also do well with the procedure, but they may need a longer recovery period and more intensive physical therapy.

After surgery, rest and controlled rehabilitation exercises are important to help your dog regain strength and mobility. Gentle, regular movement helps the false joint form properly. Most pets adapt well over time and can return to an active, pain-free lifestyle.

ELBOW SURGERY

Elbow problems are a common cause of front-leg lameness in dogs, especially in medium to large breeds. The elbow joint is made up of three bones—the humerus, radius, and ulna—that must fit together perfectly for smooth, pain-free movement. When the joint doesn’t form properly or becomes damaged, it can lead to pain, stiffness, and arthritis.

Common Reasons for Elbow Surgery


The most frequent conditions requiring elbow surgery include:

  • Elbow dysplasia: a developmental problem where the bones of the elbow joint don’t align properly, causing uneven pressure and joint damage.

  • Fragmented coronoid process (FCP): a small chip of bone breaks off inside the joint, leading to pain and inflammation.

  • Ununited anconeal process (UAP): a piece of bone in the elbow fails to fuse during growth, resulting in joint instability.

  • Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD): an area of cartilage becomes damaged and separates from the bone surface.

NEURO - ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVD or IVDD) is a common spinal condition in dogs that affects the discs located between the vertebrae (bones of the spine). These discs act like cushions, providing flexibility and shock absorption during movement. When a disc becomes damaged, it can bulge or rupture, pressing on the spinal cord and causing pain, nerve damage, or even paralysis.

​

Causes and Risk Factors
IVD can occur for two main reasons:

  • Degenerative (Type I): The discs gradually lose their cushioning ability and may suddenly rupture. This type is most common in breeds like Dachshunds, Beagles, and Cocker Spaniels.

  • Chronic (Type II): The discs slowly harden and bulge over time, putting pressure on the spinal cord. This type is more often seen in larger breeds and older dogs.

​

Signs to Watch For
Symptoms depend on where along the spine the affected disc is located and how severely it’s pressing on the spinal cord. Common signs include:

  • Back or neck pain (crying out, reluctance to move, or arching the back)

  • Weakness or wobbliness in the legs

  • Difficulty walking or standing

  • Loss of coordination or balance

  • In severe cases, loss of bladder or bowel control, or paralysis

​

Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis usually involves a physical and neurological exam, followed by imaging such as X-rays, CT scans, or an MRI.
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition:

  • Mild cases may respond well to rest, pain relief, anti-inflammatory medication, and physiotherapy.

  • Severe cases—especially those involving loss of mobility—often require surgery to remove the disc material pressing on the spinal cord. Early surgical intervention can greatly improve recovery chances.

​

Recovery and Management
After surgery or medical treatment, strict rest and rehabilitation exercises are crucial for healing. Some dogs regain full mobility, while others may have lingering weakness or need long-term management. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight, avoiding jumping from heights, and using ramps instead of stairs can help reduce the risk of recurrence.

bottom of page