Veterinary Surgery

Veterinary surgery encompasses a broad spectrum of interventions designed to diagnose, treat and palliate disease in companion, production and equine species. Core domains include orthopaedics—ranging from fracture fixation and joint replacement to arthrodesis—soft‐tissue surgery involving abdominal, thoracic and reconstructive procedures, neurosurgery for spinal and brain disorders, and minimally invasive approaches using laparoscopy, thoracoscopy and robotic assistance. Advances in imaging (CT, MRI) and three‐dimensional planning have enabled patient‐specific implants and guides, while simulation and competency‐based training ensure safer progression from models to live patients. Emerging technologies such as injectable tools, energy‐based vessel sealing, augmented reality and artificial intelligence are poised to refine decision‐making, reduce surgical trauma and improve outcomes. Equally important are refinements in perioperative management, including enhanced analgesia, aseptic technique and environmental sustainability. Together, these innovations underscore a commitment to restoring form and function, minimising complications and enhancing welfare across diverse veterinary populations.

Research from Nature Portfolio

A cadaveric study demonstrated the feasibility of intra‐abdominal laparoscopy for resection of the umbilical vein and urachus in bovine fetuses. Compared with open celiotomy, the laparoscopic approach markedly reduced tissue trauma and total surgical time, suggesting its potential for live‐animal applications in diagnostic and therapeutic exploration of umbilical and adjacent structures.

An evaluation of a subcapsular primary‐closure technique for castration in donkeys showed that a single paramedian scrotal incision allowed rapid reduction of testosterone and minimal postoperative pain. Behavioural and biochemical markers confirmed welfare benefits, with low complication rates and excellent cosmetic and functional outcomes, indicating a promising alternative to conventional open methods in equids.

Research from all publishers

A multicentre retrospective cohort of 95 cats fitted with subcutaneous ureteral bypass devices reported in-hospital survival above 90% and median post-discharge survival exceeding 500 days. While major complications were common, most were manageable; early intervention and lower creatinine at presentation correlated with improved longevity, emphasising the value of timely, device-based restoration of ureteral patency.

In canine orthopaedics, biomechanical testing of cementless total hip replacement broaches revealed that a design incorporating additional V-grooves required significantly less broaching energy in both normal and sclerotic bone models. Moreover, the resultant press-fit envelope demonstrated superior resistance to stem subsidence, guiding improvements in instrumentation geometry for enhanced initial stability.

Veterinary Surgery publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in veterinary surgery across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Arthrodesis: Surgical fusion of a joint by removing cartilage and stabilising bones to promote bone healing.

Subcutaneous ureteral bypass: An implantable conduit diverting urine from the kidney to the bladder beneath the skin, bypassing a blocked ureter.

Press‐fit: A fixation method in which an implant is inserted into a slightly undersized cavity to achieve mechanical stability without cement.

Laparoscopy: A minimally invasive technique using a camera and instruments inserted through small abdominal ports to perform surgery.

Patient‐specific guide: A custom surgical tool, derived from imaging data, that directs instrument placement for precise bone cuts or implant positioning.

References

1. Intra-abdominal resection of the umbilical vein and urachus of bovine fetuses using laparoscopy and celiotomy: surgical time and feasibility (cadaveric study). Scientific Reports (2021).
2. Evaluation of the subcapsular technique for primary closure castration in donkeys (Equus asinus). Scientific Reports (2021).
3. Survival and complications in cats treated with subcutaneous ureteral bypass. Journal of Small Animal Practice (2020).
4. Quasi-static mechanical evaluation of canine cementless total hip replacement broaches: effect of tooth design on broach and stem insertion. BMC Veterinary Research (2024).
5. Veterinary Surgery: Overview and Recent Achievements.