Our Services
Surgical Procedures
Our gold standard accredited operating theatre with state of the art anaesthetic monitoring equipment allows us to provide exemplary care. We perform routine and elective procedures every weekday. This ranges from spay, castration and minor surgeries to eye surgery, orthopedic surgery, or soft tissue surgery. Pre-anaesthetic screening in the form of a blood test may be recommended before any procedure.
We fully understand that you will be worried when your cat is undergoing surgery, but please rest assured that your feline friend will be in excellent hands with our vets, and we will make every effort to maintain communication with you throughout the day. For more information regarding a specific type of surgery or any inquiry, please feel free to contact a member of The Cat Vet team.
Why Choose Us
At The Cat Vet Specialist Centre, we offer a wide range of elective (routine) and non-elective surgeries (emergency). We have ensured the following features and amenities for our patients and their families to trust our expertise wholeheartedly:
- We have two sterile surgical theatres
Highly experienced veterinary surgeons serving key specialities of:
- Orthopedic
- Ophthalmology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Comprehensive Cardiac (Heart Treatment)
- Gold-standard anaesthetic ventilation systems, to ensure optimal and comforting care for vulnerable cats
Subcutaneous Ureteral Bypass (SUB)
A Subcutaneous Ureteral Bypass (SUB) is a specialised implant used in cats to treat ureteral obstruction – a condition where urine cannot flow normally from the kidney to the bladder due to a blockage in the ureter.
In cats, ureteral obstructions are most commonly caused by kidney stones (ureteroliths), strictures (narrowing of the ureter), or inflammation. If left untreated, this blockage can lead to severe kidney damage and is life-threatening.
The SUB system allows urine to bypass the blocked ureter and flow safely from the kidney directly to the bladder through a soft, internal tubing system placed under the skin.
The SUB can also be used in cases of ureteral rupture or avulsion, when the ureter cannot be salvaged.
A SUB is recommended when a ureteral obstruction cannot be safely or effectively managed using medication alone.
Without restoration of urine flow:
- Pressure builds up in the kidney
- Kidney tissue becomes progressively damaged
- Toxins accumulate in the bloodstream
The SUB device restores urine flow, helps preserve kidney function, and significantly improves long-term survival and quality of life for many cats with this serious condition.
Placement of a SUB system requires referral to a specialist and is performed under general anaesthesia.
The procedure involves:
- Surgically placing a catheter into the affected kidney
- Connecting it via tubing to a second catheter in the bladder
- Attaching these to a small subcutaneous port under the skin
This port allows safe access for future flushing and urine sampling, for monitoring.
At The Cat Vet Specialist Centre, we offer this advanced surgical service under the care of Dr. Nuno Sousa, our experienced clinician in feline procedures and ultrasonography.
Your cat will usually remain hospitalised for monitoring while kidney values stabilise. Most cats show significant clinical improvement within days of restored urine flow.
A SUB is a long-term device that requires ongoing care to keep it functioning properly.
Maintenance includes:
- Regular SUB flushes (usually every 1–3 months, depending on the case)
- Periodic ultrasound examinations to assess flow and position
- Monitoring kidney values and urine parameters
- Watching for signs of infection or blockage
SUB flushes are typically done under light sedation to minimise stress and ensure safety. During this procedure, the port is accessed using sterile technique, the system is assessed, urine samples are collected and sterile saline is used to flush the tubing.
We provide ongoing SUB flush and monitoring services at The Cat Vet Specialist Centre with Dr. Nuno Sousa & Dr. Luisa Coelho, ensuring continuity of care and specialised follow-up.
While SUB systems have significantly improved outcomes for cats with ureteral obstruction, like all medical procedures, they carry some risks, including:
- Obstruction of the device
- Urinary tract infection
- Dislodgement (rare)
- Progression of underlying kidney disease
Routine monitoring and maintenance greatly reduce the likelihood and severity of these complications.
Many cats with SUB systems go on to live good quality lives for many years. The device does not cure kidney disease but plays a vital role in slowing its progression and preventing life-threatening obstruction.
