Veterinary Surgery
Surgical care for dogs and cats in Melbourne
When your pet needs surgery, you want an experienced veterinary team, clear advice and confidence that they’re in good hands.
At Tooronga Veterinary Hospital, we provide a range of veterinary surgical procedures, supported by advanced diagnostic technology and personalised care.
We’ll explain your pet’s options, discuss the benefits and risks, and help you understand what to expect before, during and after surgery.
Have concerns about your pet?
Our veterinary surgery services
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Soft Tissue Surgery
Surgery involving the skin, internal organs and other soft tissues of your pet.
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Desexing
A routine surgical procedure to prevent unwanted pregnancies in dogs and cats.
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Laparoscopic Desexing
A minimally invasive surgical procedure to prevent your pet becoming pregnant.
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Orthopaedic Surgery
Surgical treatment for conditions affecting your pet’s bones, joints and muscles.
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Oral Surgery
Treatment for dental disease, damaged teeth, oral injuries and mouth conditions.
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BOAS Surgery
Surgery to help improve airflow and breathing in flat-faced dog and cat breeds.
Why choose Tooronga Veterinary Hospital?
We combine experienced veterinary care, advanced technology and comprehensive support to provide your pet with the best possible surgical care.
Experienced team
Over 100 years of combined veterinary experience and a genuine passion for animal wellbeing.
Advanced technology
Access to a human-grade CT scanner, digital radiography and an in-house laboratory.
Comprehensive care
Co-located with Animal Emergency Service, with access to emergency veterinary support and overnight inpatient care.
24/7 monitoring
Staff available around the clock to monitor hospitalised patients.
Comfort-focused care
A dedicated cat-only space and a welcoming team focused on making visits less stressful.
Convenient access
Open seven days a week for your pet’s veterinary care.
FAQs
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All surgery and general anaesthesia carry some risk, and we’ll always explain these to you before you make a decision.
We assess your pet’s health, consider any relevant pre-anaesthetic tests and develop an appropriate anaesthetic and monitoring plan.
During surgery, our team works together to monitor your pet, with dedicated team members overseeing different aspects of their care. This means one team member can focus on monitoring anaesthesia and vital signs, while another assists with the surgical procedure, helping us respond promptly to any changes.
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Yes, we will discuss the options with you before making your decision.
We’ll go through the benefits, risks and consequences of delaying or declining surgery.
We’ll also explain whether there are any suitable alternatives available.
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We’ll provide you with clear pre-surgery instructions, including printed information where appropriate, tailored to your pet and their procedure. These will cover fasting requirements, medication advice and what time to arrive at the hospital.
Please follow these instructions carefully. If you are unclear, or have any questions please call our team for support.
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We’ll explain your pet’s aftercare, including pain relief, wound care, activity restrictions, feeding and follow-up appointments.
Recovery varies depending on the procedure, so follow your discharge instructions and contact us if you notice any concerning changes.
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Routine surgeries are usually performed as day procedures, with your pet admitted to the hospital and monitored during their recovery. Once they are sufficiently recovered and comfortable to continue recuperating at home, we’ll let you know when they’re ready to be collected.
More complex procedures may require overnight hospitalisation and ongoing monitoring.
Our team provides 24/7 care for hospitalised patients, allowing us to monitor your pet closely throughout their recovery.
We’ll keep you informed of their progress and let you know when they’re ready for discharge or when a visit may be appropriate.
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The cost depends on the procedure, your pet’s health, anaesthesia, diagnostic tests, medications and aftercare. We’ll ensure we are transparent with any associated costs before you proceed with any treatment.
You can find out more about our prices here.
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Let us know if cost is a concern. Our team can explain the recommended treatment, discuss any clinically appropriate alternatives and provide a clear estimate.
You may also wish to check whether your pet insurance covers the procedure, as your level of cover and policy terms will determine what costs may be reimbursed.
To help make treatment more manageable, you can ask us about staged treatment or available payment options.
You can choose from Afterpay, Zip Pay or VetPay, each designed to help you manage the cost of your pet’s care more easily, subject to eligibility and approval.
We understand that unexpected veterinary costs can be stressful, and we’re here to help you explore the available options so you can make an informed decision about your pet’s care.
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Payment arrangements will be explained to you before your pet’s procedure.
Depending on the treatment and our payment policy, payment may be required upfront, on the day of surgery or when your pet is discharged.
We’ll provide a clear estimate and explain any payment options available before proceeding.
You can also ask about Afterpay, Zip Pay or VetPay to help manage the cost of treatment, subject to eligibility and approval.
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We understand how worrying it can be to consider this possibility. While our team will do everything possible to achieve the best outcome for your pet, all surgical procedures carry risks, and success cannot be guaranteed.
If the surgery is unsuccessful or complications arise, our veterinary team will discuss your pet’s condition, any further treatment that may be needed and the associated costs with you.
Get advice for your pet
Whether your pet needs a planned procedure or you’ve been advised to consider surgery, our team is here to help you understand your options.

