Christchurch Veterinary Referrals

Christchurch Veterinary Referrals is an independent small-animal referral centre established in 2001, specialising in surgery (including orthopaedic, complex soft tissue, neurosurgery and spinal procedures). The website highlights advanced on-site facilities including in-house MRI and CT, plus three operating theatres. Recent reviews describe detailed surgical planning and strong post-op communication, such as sending recovery photos after anaesthetic and thorough aftercare. Procedures specifically mentioned in reviews include TECA (ear surgery) and bilateral patellar luxation surgery.

Services

• •Small-animal referral surgery, including
• •Complex soft tissue surgery
• •Orthopaedic surgery (patellar luxation surgery is mentioned in reviews)
• •Neurosurgery and spinal procedures
• •Diagnostic services, with facilities noted on the website
• •In-house MRI
• •CT scanner
• •In-house imaging suite
• •Surgical facilities
• •Three operating theatres

People

• •Shane (role not stated): mentioned by name in a review as leading a team that carried out multiple operations on the same dog; the reviewer emphasised the team’s expertise and “faultless” aftercare.
• •Clinical team (vets, nurses, reception staff): reviews repeatedly mention clear explanations and support
• •Detailed plan and explanations before surgery (including going through the plan “thoroughly”)
• •Post-anaesthetic updates, including sending photos
• •Welcoming and empathetic reception staff

Reviews

4.9 stars from 150 reviews. - Strong post-op communication and aftercare, including sending photos once a dog recovered from anaesthetic and follow-up support described as “faultless.”

• •Owners cite detailed explanations and planning for significant procedures (e.g., TECA on both ears).
• •Positive handling of dogs on arrival; one owner noted their dog went in without looking back.
• •Successful outcomes reported for orthopaedic surgery (patellar luxation surgery on both knees) and multiple surgeries for a young dog, with gratitude for ongoing support.
• •One review mentions the clinic “helped us with cost,” but no specific pricing details are provided.