Excellence in Small Animal Surgery Across the Cape

Welcome to Cape Specialist Surgical Vet

Cape Specialist Surgical Vet (CSSV) is a specialist-led small-animal surgical referral practice providing advanced orthopaedic, neurologic, soft tissue, thoracic, oncologic and reconstructive surgical care across the Western, Southern and Eastern Cape.

The practice is led by Dr Christiaan Triegaardt, a SAVC registered Specialist Small Animal Surgeon, and Dr Donald Crawford, an experienced referral surgeon with advanced postgraduate training and extensive surgical experience gained in both South Africa and the United Kingdom.

Dr Triegaardt completed specialist residency training at Johannesburg Specialist Veterinary Centre and holds an MMedVet in Small Animal Surgery from the University of Pretoria, while Dr Crawford previously served as Clinical Director, Partner and Lead Surgeon at a large 24-hour veterinary hospital in the United Kingdom.

Together, CSSV provides collaborative referral-level surgical care focused on clinical excellence, clear communication and compassionate patient outcomes for both referring veterinarians and pet owners.

Why choose CSSV?
Discover our unique edge

CSSV combines specialist surgical expertise, collaborative referral care and advanced mobile surgical services to support veterinary practices and pet owners across the Western and Eastern Cape.

Expertise in Small Animal Surgery

Together, Dr Christiaan Triegaardt and Dr Donald Crawford bring extensive experience and advanced expertise in small animal surgery, providing referral-level surgical care focused on clinical excellence and compassionate patient outcomes.

Convenient Mobile Surgical Service

CSSV offers a unique mobile surgical service, bringing advanced procedures directly to local veterinary practices, saving clients the inconvenience of traveling long distances.

Commitment to Pet Well-being

Above all, CSSV is committed to the well-being and health of pets, striving to improve their quality of life through advanced surgical interventions and compassionate care.

Surgical services provided

01.

Abdominal

Surgeries

Our expertise in abdominal surgeries encompasses a range of procedures aimed at addressing various conditions affecting organs within the abdominal cavity, ensuring optimal health and function for your pet.

  • Adrenalectomies
  • Liver tumors
  • Liver shunts
  • Hiatal hernias
  • 150+ Surgeries Performed

02.

Arthroscopic Procedures

Employing state-of-the-art arthroscopic techniques, we diagnose and treat joint-related issues with precision and minimal invasiveness, promoting swift recovery and restored mobility for your pet.

  • Shoulder OCDs (Osteochondritis Dissecans)
  • Elbow medial compartment disease
  • 140+ Procedures Performed

03.

Gastrointestinal Surgeries

Our comprehensive approach to gastrointestinal surgeries tackles complex conditions affecting the digestive system, enhancing digestive health and well-being for your pet.

  • Complex enterotomies/anastomosis
  • Subtotal colectomies
  • Perineal hernias
  • Rectal tumors
  • 250+ Surgeries Performed

04.

Head & Neck Surgeries

From addressing airway obstructions to managing glandular abnormalities, our head and neck surgeries encompass a spectrum of procedures aimed at optimizing respiratory and glandular function for your pet.

  • Laryngeal tie-backs
  • Upper airway surgery
  • TECABO (Total Ear Canal Ablation and Bulla Osteotomy)
  • Sialoceles
  • Thyroidectomies
  • 300+ Head & Neck Surgeries Performed

05.

Joint

Procedures

Our expertise in joint procedures ensures comprehensive care for musculoskeletal issues, restoring mobility and function to your pet’s joints for improved quality of life.

  • TPLOs (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy)
  • CCWOs (Cranial Closing Wedge Osteotomy)
  • Patella surgeries
  • Medial shoulder stabilizations
  • Carpal & tarsal arthrodesis
  • 2,000 Joint Procedures Performed

06.

Neurosurgeries

Utilizing advanced neurosurgical techniques, we address neurological conditions affecting the spinal cord and brain, promoting neurological function and mobility for your pet.

  • Hemilaminectomies
  • Ventral slot decompressions
  • Vertebral fractures
  • Lumbosacral distraction-fusions
  • 450+ Neurosurgeries Performed

07.

Fracture

Repairs

Our fracture repair services employ advanced techniques to stabilize and promote healing of bone fractures, ensuring optimal recovery and function for your pet.

  • Plate & screws fixation
  • External fixation
  • 700+ Fracture Repairs Performed

08.

Skin Reconstruction Surgeries

Our expertise in skin reconstruction encompasses procedures to repair and restore damaged or diseased skin, promoting optimal healing and cosmetic outcomes for your pet.

  • Skin flaps & grafts
  • 100+ Skin Reconstruction Surgeries Performed

09.

Thoracic

Surgeries

Addressing conditions affecting the chest cavity, our thoracic surgeries aim to optimize respiratory and cardiovascular function for your pet, ensuring optimal health and vitality.

  • PDAs (Patent Ductus Arteriosus)
  • Lung lobectomies
  • PRAAs (Persistent Right Aortic Arch)
  • Thoracic duct ligation
  • Esophageal tumors
  • 70+ Thoracic Surgeries Performed

10.

Urogenital
Surgeries

Urogenital surgeries for small pets address issues in their urinary and reproductive systems, like bladder stones, urinary incontinence and reproductive organ disorders. These surgeries aim to improve health and alleviate discomfort in pets.

  • Cystotomy
  • Urethrostomy
  • Subcutaneous Ureteral Bypass (SUB)
  • Artificial Urinary Sphincter (AUS)
  • Cystourethropexy
  • Ectopic ureters
  • 200+ Urogenital Surgeries Performed