Surgery

ACES provides a comprehensive range of animal surgery services delivered by experienced specialist surgeons. We cover soft tissue, orthopaedic, neurological, oncological, and minimally invasive procedures, as well as interventional surgery. Whether your pet needs a routine procedure or a complex specialist operation, our surgical team has the expertise and facilities to deliver the highest standard of care.

TPLO surgery (Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy) is one of the most common and effective treatments for a ruptured cruciate ligament in dogs. It involves making a semi-circular cut in the shin bone (tibia) and rotating the segment to eliminate the need for the cruciate ligament. This resolves the instability of the knee joint that occurs when the cruciate ligament is ruptured. If your dog has been diagnosed with a cruciate ligament injury, your vet or our specialist team can discuss whether TPLO surgery is the right option based on your dog’s size, age, and activity level.

Common signs that your dog may need cruciate ligament surgery include sudden lameness or limping, reluctance to bear weight on a back leg, swelling around the knee joint, and a noticeable change in activity levels. Cruciate ligament surgery in dogs is one of the most common orthopaedic procedures we perform at ACES, and our specialist surgeons will carry out a thorough assessment before recommending the most appropriate treatment for your dog.

Before surgery, your pet will be assessed by both the surgeon and our specialist anaesthesia team to make sure they’re as safe and prepared as possible. On the day of surgery, you’ll meet the team, have the opportunity to ask any questions, and be kept informed throughout the procedure. After surgery, your pet will recover in our dedicated post-operative suite and we’ll provide you with a clear recovery plan and keep your regular vet updated throughout. 

Yes. Where appropriate, our surgical team uses minimally invasive techniques as part of our animal surgery services, including arthroscopy and laparoscopy. Minimally invasive surgery reduces recovery time, minimises discomfort, and lowers the risk of complications compared to traditional open surgery. Our specialist surgeons will always discuss the most appropriate surgical approach for your pet’s specific case before proceeding.

In most cases, your regular veterinarian will refer your pet for specialist vet surgery if they feel the procedure requires specialist expertise or equipment beyond what is available at a general practice. However, if you have concerns about your pet and feel they may need specialist animal surgery, you don’t always need to wait for a referral. At ACES, we welcome self referrals directly from pet owners who are looking for answers or a second opinion. Visit our self-referral page to find out more about how to get your pet seen by our specialist surgical team without going through your regular vet first.

At ACES, our animal surgery service is backed by a purpose-built facility, a dedicated specialist anaesthesia team, and on-site critical care support. Our surgeons are experienced across the full spectrum of specialist surgeries, from complex orthopaedic procedures like TPLO surgery, through to oncological and minimally invasive procedures. Being independently owned means every decision we make is guided entirely by what’s best for your pet.