The emphasis of the surgical service at Rivergum Referral Services is on orthopaedic and neurological surgery although we will also perform some reconstructive, oncologic and soft tissue surgeries depending on the specific case.

Our specialist(s) surgeons provide a personalised level of service with all consultations performed by Dr Gibson or Dr Hill.  Rivergum Referral Services does not employ trainee surgeons so all procedures and communications – during the initial consultation, immediately following surgery, during the recovery period, and at discharge – will be with the surgeon or a member of the surgical nursing team.

Surgical procedures performed at our centre include:

Tibial osteotomy surgery for cranial cruciate ligament ruptures

Other forms of stifle reconstruction in patients where tibial osteotomies are not preferred

Total hip replacement

Basic and advanced fracture repairs

Correction of patellar instability

Surgical management of hip and elbow dysplasia

Arthroscopy

Growth deformity corrections

Hemilaminectomy and ventral slot procedure for disc ruptures

Surgery for caudal cervical spondylomyelopathy (Wobbler syndrome)

Spinal fracture repairs

Total ear canal ablation

Tumour removals and reconstruction

A range of other soft tissue surgeries are performed at Rivergum Referral Services on a case by case basis.

We also offer a radiograph interpretation service for veterinary surgeons for orthopaedic and spinal radiographs only.  Images can be submitted as DICOM or jpeg files or via a PACS link to the email address below. To assist with interpretation and case advice, please provide a brief clinical summary. Please note that there will be some loss of image quality if submitting jpeg files.

For further information, email reception@rivergumvet.com.au or phone (08) 9259 6344.

Neurology encompasses all regions of the nervous system including the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves. Muscle disorders are also included as these conditions show similar signs to primary nervous system disease.

Common signs of neurological problems include; seizures, balance disorders, changes in behaviour such as walking in circles, cranial nerve abnormalities, incoordination and weakness or paralysis of the limbs, neck or back pain, tremors and generalised or episodic weakness.

The neurology service is run by Dr Fiona Haining who has extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of all types of neurological conditions. Please note that Dr. Haining is not a registered specialist.

Our neurology services include:

Comprehensive neurological examination

Cerebrospinal fluid analysis (CSF)

Electrodiagnostic testing

Electromyography

Motor and sensory nerve testing

Access to off-site advanced neuroimaging modalities: CT/MRI

Neurosurgery

Seizure assessment and management

Neuromuscular assessment and management

For further information, email reception@rivergumvet.com.au or phone (08) 9259 6344.