Frequently Asked Questions

Our hours are designed to offer flexibility throughout the day: • Monday & Tuesday: 10:00 – 19:30 • Wednesday: 10:00 – 17:30 • Thursday: 09:00 – 16:30 • Friday: 11:00 – 19:00 • Saturday: 10:00 – 13:00 • Sundays & public holidays: Closed.

Yes. We work by appointment to ensure each pet gets the time and attention they deserve. You can book via the Digitail app, our website, or by phone.

During opening hours, call us immediately at +351 223 239 804 so we can prepare for your arrival. Outside of our hours, please contact the nearest 24-hour veterinary hospital.

The name comes from our location on Rua de Serpa Pinto (Porto), and it also references the explorer Alexandre de Serpa Pinto. Like him, we value discovery and innovation in veterinary medicine. Our mascots: Serpa (the dog) and Pinto (the cat), symbolize this connection between science and care.

We're a project where architecture, technology, and wellbeing come together. Our space uses honest materials, wood, stone, and microcement, and natural light to create a calm environment, far from the cold aesthetic of traditional hospitals.

Through our Digitail app, you can access clinical history, exams and vaccines, chat with us, and even schedule teleconsultations, your pet's health, always available in your pocket.

We designed a hospitalization area without bars, with glass enclosures and KNX home-automation technology. We use chromotherapy lighting (aligned with rest cycles) and underfloor heating to ensure recovery happens with maximum thermal and visual comfort.

We primarily treat dogs and cats. If you have another type of pet, please contact us in advance so we can confirm whether we can help.

Yes. Our SPA includes an ergonomic mineral bath and oak cabinetry, designed so bathing and grooming are relaxing moments, not stressful ones.

We're located at Rua Serpa Pinto 542, Porto. There is public parking nearby, allowing a convenient and safe drop-off and pick-up.

We accept cash, debit cards, and major credit cards.

If you notice repeated vomiting, lethargy, difficulty breathing, pain, inability to urinate, seizures, or ingestion of something toxic, we recommend same-day evaluation. In these cases, time can make a real difference in prognosis.

A single episode may not be serious. But if vomiting continues or is accompanied by lethargy, abdominal pain, or loss of appetite, your dog should be seen promptly. Many causes respond best to early treatment.

Yes. In cats, loss of appetite can quickly lead to serious liver issues. We recommend an exam as soon as possible.

Yes. Urinary obstruction is a medical emergency. If you suspect your cat can't urinate, they should be seen immediately.

Contact us immediately. Many toxins can be treated effectively when addressed quickly.

Not all lumps are malignant, but any new mass should be evaluated. Early detection greatly increases treatment options.

It can be a sign of endocrine, kidney, or metabolic disease. We recommend an appointment and lab work to investigate.

Yes. Limping is a sign of pain and should be evaluated as soon as possible. Some orthopedic injuries, such as dislocations, benefit from early correction and may avoid surgery altogether if treated within the first few hours. The sooner your pet is seen, the better the prognosis, and the simpler treatment tends to be.

Most commonly, it's a sign of dental disease, which can cause pain and affect internal organs. An oral exam is recommended.

Yes. Many conditions are silent early on. Regular wellness exams support early detection and a longer, healthier life.

We recommend at least once a year. For senior pets, ideally every 6 months.

We perform a complete physical exam and assess weight, teeth, skin, heart, and lungs, plus personalized prevention guidance.

During wellness checkups, before surgeries, and whenever symptoms persist. Bloodwork can detect disease before visible signs appear.

Ultrasound is helpful to evaluate internal organs in cases like persistent vomiting, abdominal pain, urinary changes, suspected pregnancy, and more. It can identify issues early and guide the best care plan.

X-rays may be recommended for limping, trauma, persistent cough, suspected bone or lung issues, swelling, or localized pain. They help detect changes early so we can treat your pet effectively.

Most tests are not painful. When needed, we use sedation to ensure comfort and safety.

Typically between 5 and 7 months, but we tailor recommendations based on breed, size, and lifestyle.

It reduces the risk of mammary tumors, uterine infections (pyometra), prostate issues, and certain unwanted behaviors.

We perform pre-op testing, continuous anesthetic monitoring, and advanced safety protocols to minimize risk.

Most pets recover quickly with careful pain control and structured post-op follow-up.

Yes, appointments help us provide enough time for each patient and reduce waiting times.

Typically 20 to 30 minutes, depending on your pet's needs and clinical situation.

In most cases, yes. We have diagnostic resources available for fast assessment when needed.

It depends on breed and lifestyle. On average, every 4–8 weeks.

Continuous-growing coats need regular grooming to prevent matting, skin irritation, and discomfort.

No. Coat maintenance supports skin health and overall comfort and wellbeing.

Yes. We work strictly by appointment so that each pet gets adequate consultation time and waiting is kept short. You can book online, through the Digitail app, or by phone on +351 223 239 804.

Usually between 20 and 30 minutes. It may take longer if tests are needed or if the clinical situation calls for it.

In most cases, yes. We have digital radiology, ultrasound and a laboratory on site, which means results can come back during your visit.

At least once a year for healthy adult pets. For senior pets or those with a chronic condition, we recommend every six months.

Not always. We request blood work at check-ups, before surgery, and whenever symptoms persist, because it can reveal kidney, liver or endocrine changes before visible signs appear. We always explain the reason before proceeding.

Your pet's vaccination record or passport, if you have one, and reports from previous consultations at another clinic. If the visit is about digestive or urinary issues, bringing a recent sample can save time.

During opening hours, call +351 223 239 804 before coming in so we can prepare for your arrival. Outside those hours, we recommend the nearest 24-hour veterinary hospital.

Yes. Besides dogs and cats, we offer consultations for exotic pets. For cats, there is also a feline medicine consultation, with an approach adapted to the species.

Book a pre-surgical consultation and mention that it is for spaying a female dog. Surgery is never scheduled without that prior assessment. If you go ahead with us, the cost of the consultation is deducted from the procedure.

Yes. In a female dog, a laparoscopic spay is done through two or three incisions a few millimetres long instead of opening the abdominal wall. The difference shows mostly afterwards: less pain, a lower risk of wound complications and a quicker return to normal activity. We assess at the pre-surgical consultation whether it is the right route in your case.

It depends mainly on size. In small breeds it is usually possible to do it early, while in large breeds there is an argument for waiting until growth is complete, because of the effect of hormones on the joints. Since the benefit against mammary tumours falls with every season, this is a decision to take case by case at the consultation.

There is no health benefit to having a litter before spaying. It is a widely held idea, but medically what we know points the other way: the more seasons that pass, the lower the protection against mammary tumours.

We prefer to avoid it. During a season the uterus and the ovaries carry a much richer blood supply, which increases the risk of bleeding. The usual approach is to wait a few weeks after the season ends.

She is usually bright again within a few days, but because it is abdominal surgery the rest continues until the stitches come out. During that period: short lead walks, no running or jumping, and stopping her licking the wound.

Energy requirements drop after spaying, so the same amount of food becomes too much. With an adjusted portion and the same exercise, she does not have to gain weight. We adjust her diet with you at the follow-up.

It is one of the most frequently performed operations in veterinary medicine and the risk is low, though not zero, as with any anaesthetic. Reducing it is exactly why we run blood tests beforehand and monitor the anaesthetic continuously.

They are different operations. In a female it is abdominal surgery, with a longer recovery. In a male the approach is external, the procedure is shorter and recovery is quicker. We have a page dedicated to dog neutering.

Book a pre-surgical consultation and mention that it is for spaying a female cat. Surgery is not scheduled without that prior assessment. If you go ahead with us, the cost of the consultation is deducted from the procedure.

Yes. A laparoscopic spay uses two or three incisions a few millimetres long instead of opening the abdominal wall. In cats, who tend to recover quickly anyway, the advantage lies mainly in less discomfort and a lower risk of wound complications. We confirm at the pre-surgical consultation whether it is the right route.

Usually before the first season, and cats can come into season earlier than most people expect. Since the exact age depends on how each cat is developing, we confirm it at the pre-surgical consultation.

Yes. The health benefits, such as the reduced risk of mammary tumours and the removal of the pyometra risk, do not depend on her going out. And it is during a season that many indoor cats first try to get out.

We prefer to avoid it, because during a season the tissues carry a richer blood supply and the risk of bleeding is higher. If your cat is in season, we will assess at the consultation when the best time is.

Yes, and it is an important difference: in cats, most mammary tumours are malignant. It is one of the reasons early spaying carries so much weight in this species.

Cats usually recover quickly, but it is still abdominal surgery. She should stay indoors until the stitches come out, with no jumping onto high furniture and no access to the wound.

Energy requirements drop, so the same amount of food becomes too much. With an adjusted portion and some encouragement to move, she does not have to gain weight. We adjust it with you at the follow-up.

It is worth neutering him too, for reasons of his own: marking territory with urine, escaping and fighting. We have a page dedicated to cat neutering.

Book a pre-surgical consultation and mention that it is for neutering a male dog. Surgery is never scheduled without that prior assessment. If you go ahead with us, the cost of the consultation is deducted from the procedure.

It depends on size. In large and giant breeds there is an argument for waiting until growth is complete, because of the role hormones play in joint development. In smaller dogs the window is more flexible. We decide with you at the consultation.

Only for behaviours that depend on testosterone, such as roaming after females or marking territory. A dog who is restless from excess energy, from fear or from lack of training will be the same afterwards: those causes are addressed with exercise and behavioural work, not surgery.

In routine cases yes, because it is not abdominal surgery. The wound is smaller and recovery is usually shorter. It still requires general anaesthesia and the same preparation beforehand.

That is called cryptorchidism and it is a different situation. A retained testicle carries an increased risk of becoming tumorous, and removing it requires a more complex surgical approach, often abdominal. We assess and explain this at the pre-surgical consultation.

Usually shorter than in a female. Even so, keep to short lead walks with no running or jumping, and use a protective collar until the stitches come out, because licking the wound is the most common cause of complications.

Energy requirements drop after neutering. With an adjusted food portion and the same exercise, he does not have to gain weight. We adjust his diet with you at the follow-up.

There are hormonal implants that suppress testosterone temporarily and reversibly. They are sometimes useful for testing the behavioural effect before committing to surgery. We can discuss whether that makes sense in your case.

Book a pre-surgical consultation and mention that it is for neutering a male cat. Surgery is never scheduled without that prior assessment. If you go ahead with us, the cost of the consultation is deducted from the procedure.

Usually before urine marking sets in, because it is considerably easier to prevent the habit than to make it disappear later. The exact age depends on development and weight, and we confirm it at the consultation.

Yes, but be realistic about the outcome. In most cats marking greatly reduces or stops after neutering; in a minority the habit is already established and persists. All the other health benefits apply equally.

Yes, and that is precisely the main reason: it is the intact indoor cat who marks the walls at home. Beyond that, it is while searching for females that many indoor cats first try to get out.

Usually quick. He should stay indoors for the following days with no jumping onto high places, and it helps to temporarily swap fine litter for paper or large-grain litter so it does not stick to the wound.

That is cryptorchidism and it changes the procedure: a retained testicle carries an increased risk of becoming tumorous, and removing it requires a more complex approach, sometimes abdominal. We assess and explain this at the pre-surgical consultation.

Energy requirements drop after neutering, and in indoor cats that shows quickly. With an adjusted food portion and encouragement to move, he does not have to gain weight. We adjust this with you at the follow-up.

To prevent litters, yes. But each benefits for their own reasons: in her, the reduced risk of mammary tumours and the end of repeated seasons. We have a dedicated page on cat spaying.

Book a pre-surgical consultation and describe what you have noticed. Surgery is never scheduled without a prior assessment, because that consultation is where we decide whether operating is the best option. If your pet is in acute distress, call 223 239 804.

It is not an emergency, but it is not something to leave either. Appearance alone does not distinguish a benign lipoma from a malignant tumour, and the difference between operating early or late can be significant. The assessment is quick and often reassuring.

Pre-anaesthetic blood work to assess kidney and liver function, plus whatever imaging the case requires, usually radiography or ultrasound. These are run in the clinic, which in most cases saves you a second trip.

There is always some, but it is low and preparation reduces it. That is the purpose of the prior blood work, the protocol tailored to each animal, and continuous monitoring throughout. In older animals or those with known disease, we explain the specific risk before deciding.

Age on its own is not a contraindication. What matters is clinical condition, and that is what the blood work and examination assess. Many senior animals have surgery without issue; in other cases the conclusion is that it is not worth it, and we say so frankly.

It depends on the procedure. Many operations allow your pet to go home the same day, already on pain relief. For cases needing longer observation, we explain why and for how long.

It varies considerably with the procedure, the length of the anaesthesia and the tests required. That is why we do not quote over the phone without seeing the animal: the estimate is presented at the pre-surgical consultation, before any decision.

No, and it matters to say so. We perform soft tissue, abdominal, oral and routine orthopaedic surgery. Cases requiring neurosurgery or highly specialised procedures are referred, and in that case we explain why and where.

No. Book a general consultation and mention that it is a skin case. That is the appointment where we assess the situation, run the first tests and, if needed, refer you on to dermatology.

Yes, and those are exactly the cases where it is most worth it. Itching that responds to medication and returns as soon as you stop is not a solved problem, it is a controlled symptom. Finding the cause is what breaks the cycle.

It depends on the case, but the most frequent are cytology, skin scrapings and the trichogram, all done and read under the microscope here. Where we suspect a hormonal cause or a resistant infection, we move on to blood work or culture.

In most cases no, but they can be controlled very well. The aim is to keep the animal free of itching and infections throughout the year, on as little medication as possible. Many animals end up needing only one or two reviews a year.

Some cases are clear at the first consultation, particularly where there are parasites or an obvious infection. Where food allergy is suspected, an elimination diet takes six to eight weeks, because that is how long it needs for the result to be reliable.

Often not. The ear is skin, and infections that keep coming back are frequently the most visible sign of an allergy. Treating only the ear resolves the flare-up, but it does not prevent the next one.

We would rather you did not, in the two to three days beforehand. A bath removes the cells and micro-organisms from the surface of the skin, which are exactly what we need to look at under the microscope.

Yes. In cats the signs are subtler, because many groom in private: symmetrical hair loss, crusts on the neck and an increase in hairballs are common clues. If your cat finds the journey stressful, see our feline medicine consultation as well.

Book a general consultation and mention that it is for a cat. If your cat finds the journey particularly stressful, tell us when booking so we can arrange the quietest possible time.

Leave the carrier open at home in the days beforehand, with a familiar blanket inside, so it stops being an object that only appears before a vet visit. In the car, cover the carrier with a cloth, and avoid feeding your cat in the two to three hours before.

Once a year for healthy adult cats. From seven years old we recommend every six months, with blood work, because that is the age at which kidney disease and hyperthyroidism start to appear.

Yes. Some agents come into the house on clothes and shoes, and one brief escape or one stay in hospital is enough for exposure. The plan is adjusted to the lifestyle: an indoor cat does not necessarily need the same as a cat with access to the street.

Not always. A cat with hyperthyroidism can eat more than usual and still lose weight, and a cat with early kidney disease often keeps a normal appetite. Weight and blood work detect what appetite hides.

It is a sign to take seriously, not a behaviour to correct. It can indicate infection, crystals or a urinary blockage. In a male cat straining without producing urine, it is an emergency: call 223 239 804 immediately.

We work strictly by appointment, precisely so the time between arriving and going into the consulting room is short. If your cat is especially reactive, let us know when booking.

Yes, with a pre-surgical assessment and pre-anaesthetic blood work. It has a page of its own, with the whole process explained.

No. Book a general consultation and mention that it is an eye problem. That is the appointment where we assess the situation and, if needed, refer you on to ophthalmology. If the eye has suddenly closed, call 223 239 804 rather than waiting for an online booking.

We would advise against it. Many eye drops contain corticosteroids and, if there is an ulcer on the cornea, they delay healing and can deepen the lesion. Without knowing what is behind the red eye, the same drops can just as easily help or make things worse.

Less than with other complaints. A red eye that has not improved within 24 hours, or any eye the animal keeps closed, should be seen in the following days. Sudden loss of sight and a very painful eye are reasons to call the same day.

Some flat-faced breeds with prominent eyes water more for anatomical reasons, but that does not make it harmless. It is worth assessing, because many of these breeds also have poorly positioned lashes or a chronically exposed cornea.

No. Fluorescein and the tear production test are quick and well tolerated. When the eye is very sore, we apply a local anaesthetic before examining, so we can assess it without causing discomfort.

It might be, but there are other causes with a very different urgency, such as corneal oedema from glaucoma. They are told apart on examination, and the distinction matters: one is monitored, the other is treated quickly.

We assess and medically treat most cases, and we carry out eyelid procedures. Situations that require specialised intraocular surgery are referred, and in that case we explain why and where to.

Often yes. In cats, particularly younger ones, eye and respiratory signs frequently appear together. If your cat finds the trip to the vet stressful, take a look at our feline medicine consultation as well.