Operating theatre at Serpa Pinto Veterinary Clinic, Porto

Veterinary Surgery in Porto

Beyond spaying: tumours, abdomen, orthopaedics and dental

Not every operation is planned, and not every one is routine. A lump that has appeared, a broken bone, a painful tooth or an abdominal problem all need assessment before any decision. We always start with a pre-surgical consultation, where we work out what is going on, explain the options and the costs, and only then schedule anything.

  • Our own operating theatre
  • Pre-anaesthetic blood work
  • Post-operative pain control

Book an appointment

Booking is done online through Digitail, in under two minutes.

  • Assessment before deciding to operate
  • Same-day diagnostics whenever possible
  • Plan and costs explained before going ahead
Book appointment

Select Pre-surgical consultation in the form.

Or talk to us+351 223 239 804

Book a pre-surgical consultation and describe what you have noticed. If your pet is in acute distress, call 223 239 804 rather than waiting for an online booking.

Years of experience
15Years of experience
Satisfied clients
+3500Satisfied clients
Happy pets
+4200Happy pets

Diagnosis before the decision

Digital radiology, ultrasound and blood work are run in our own clinic. Knowing what you are treating before anaesthetising often changes the approach, and sometimes avoids surgery altogether.

Our own operating theatre

Surgery takes place in our own theatre, with anaesthesia monitored from start to finish: heart rate, oxygenation, temperature and blood pressure. The protocol is tailored to the animal, not applied as standard.

Pain is treated, not tolerated

Pain relief starts before surgery and continues afterwards. An animal in pain recovers worse, eats less and moves less than it should.

What surgery we perform

Beyond spaying and neutering, which have their own pages, these are the most frequent areas.

  • Lump and tumour removal

    Masses in the skin, soft tissue and mammary glands. Whenever it is warranted, the removed tissue is sent for analysis, because appearance alone does not tell benign from malignant.

  • Abdominal surgery

    Removal of swallowed foreign bodies, gastric and intestinal surgery, spleen and urinary tract procedures. In these cases the time between diagnosis and surgery matters.

  • Orthopaedics

    Fractures and joint injuries. Assessment always begins with radiography, and that is what determines whether the case is handled here or warrants referral.

  • Oral surgery and dental extractions

    Extraction of teeth with advanced periodontal disease or fractures. Performed under anaesthesia, with the whole mouth assessed, because the visible tooth is rarely the only one affected.

  • Minor procedures

    Wound suturing, abscess drainage and biopsies. Many are resolved the same day, under sedation rather than general anaesthesia.

Signs that warrant a surgical assessment

With any of these, the first step is the consultation, not the decision to operate.

  • A new lump, or one that has grown or changed in appearance
  • Limping, not putting weight on a leg, or struggling to get up
  • Swallowed an object, or repeated vomiting with no explanation
  • A wound that will not close, or a hot and painful swelling
  • Strong bad breath, a broken tooth or difficulty chewing
  • A distended, tense or painful abdomen
  • Difficulty or pain passing urine, especially in male cats
  • Surgery was recommended elsewhere and you want a second opinion

Veterinary Team

An experienced team led by Dr. Ivo Malta and Dr. Marta Barros, dedicated to animal wellbeing.

We care for every patient closely and individually, focused on prevention and careful diagnosis.

We combine clinical knowledge with an empathetic approach, always with transparency and trust.

Meet the team
The team at Serpa Pinto Veterinary Clinic in the clinic reception, in Porto

What pet owners say

Real reviews left on Google by people who have been here.

4.8

Average rating

110+

Google Reviews

I think the team was great, it was her first bath and she can get very excited. She seemed happy after the bath and the team took great care for her.

M W (Edgy Hamster)

April 2026

Muito atenciosos e educados. Todos foram excepcionais, principalmente a menina que me atendeu na recepção, e a veterinária. O cuidado com a minha gatinha, sempre muito pacientes e prestativos, disseram-me toda a informação que eu precisava de saber.

Karen Farias

March 2026

pt
Excelentes profissionais e a clínica é muito tranquila. Sem tempos de espera. Conseguem aliar o rigor científico ao cuidado afectuoso. Agradeço a toda a equipa que atendeu a Ba e a Bel no sábado. Chegaram tranquilas a casa e estiveram sem nenhuma queixa. Apreciei tudo e recomendo.

Cristina de O. Alves

January 2026

pt

Frequently asked questions

Let us clear everything up, openly

How do I book surgery?

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.

My pet has developed a lump. Is it urgent?

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.

What tests are done before surgery?

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.

What is the anaesthetic risk?

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.

My pet is elderly. Can he still have surgery?

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.

Will my pet stay overnight?

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.

How much does it cost?

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.

Do you perform every type of surgery?

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.

Book appointment

Select Pre-surgical consultation in the form.

Our Pet Friendly Clinic in Porto

Waiting room at Serpa Pinto Veterinary Clinic, in PortoReception at Serpa Pinto Veterinary ClinicConsultation room at Serpa Pinto Veterinary ClinicTreatment room at Serpa Pinto Veterinary Clinic

Book your pet's appointment

Every pet is different: we assess the case before setting a plan, and costs are explained before going ahead.

Select Pre-surgical consultation in the form.