Vita Referrals

Vita Referrals is a surgical referral clinic focused on small-animal orthopaedics and neurosurgery, with on-site advanced imaging (CT, digital X‑ray) and minimally invasive options (arthroscopy, fluoroscopy) listed on its website. Reviews describe a streamlined communication setup using an app for post-op questions and updates, plus structured discharge guidance (written instructions and a planned follow-up with X‑rays). Recent owners most often mention major orthopaedic procedures (total hip replacement and bilateral TPLO) and report frequent updates until collection the next day. One review also describes a consultation where surgery was advised against in favour of six weeks’ crate rest after a disc problem was suspected.

Services

Services and capabilities stated on the website and/or directly referenced in reviews include

• •Surgical referrals for small animals (website: cases can be referred by phone or email)
• •Orthopaedic surgery, including
• •Total Hip Replacement (THR) (website; also mentioned in a review as “two hip replacements”)
• •Cruciate ligament surgery (TPLO) (website; multiple reviews mention bilateral TPLO / both legs TPLO)
• •Patella luxation correction (website)
• •Fracture management (website)
• •Pan carpal/tarsal arthrodesis (website)
• •Angular limb deformity surgery with CT and planning guides (website)
• •Elbow arthroscopy and elbow CT (website)
• •Neurosurgery, including
• •Hemilaminectomy (website)
• •Ventral slot (website)
• •Website notes these may include CT myelogram
• •Lameness investigation with CT, X‑rays, and joint samples (website; notes external lab fees not included)
• •Facilities/equipment listed: CT scanner, arthroscopy, fluoroscopy, digital X‑ray (website)
• •Post-operative communication/updates via PetsApp (website; app communication also described in reviews)

Pricing

• •One reviewer reports being quoted “an extra £3,500” elsewhere for the same operation (no procedure specified in the review).
• •The same review also reports being told by another vet that surgery would cost £4,500 (the reviewer then says Vita advised surgery wasn’t needed after assessment).

People

• •Nick (role described in a review as the person who “carried out the surgery”): mentioned alongside praise for the wider team after a dog had two hip replacements, with the owner highlighting quick responses via the app when questions came up.
• •Rob (described in reviews as the examining vet/surgeon who performed surgery)
• •In a TPLO case, the owner says Rob put them at ease on examination, performed both-leg TPLO, and they were updated throughout recovery until next-day pickup, with written recovery instructions and a follow-up appointment with X‑rays.
• •In another case, Rob is described watching the dog walk and performing further tests; the owner says the dog (usually fearful/snappy at vets) was at ease during handling. They report Rob recommended crate rest instead of surgery after diagnosing a disc problem.

Reviews

5.0 stars from 83 reviews. - Major orthopaedic surgeries frequently mentioned, including total hip replacements and bilateral TPLO (including a procedure described as happening on Christmas Eve).

• •Regular post-op communication, including updates during recovery and quick replies via an app when owners had questions.
• •Clear aftercare planning, including written instructions covering a multi-week recovery period and a follow-up with X‑rays.
• •Decision-making that doesn’t default to surgery: one owner reports being advised against an operation and instead given a six-week crate-rest plan for a suspected disc problem, with improvement reported within days.