Spinal Surgery

Eden Vet Referrals is proud to launch our Spinal Surgery Service, expanding our commitment to providing comprehensive specialist care for your patients. Our service is led by Dr. Humberto (Bert) Abreu, an experienced surgical clinician with a strong interest in spinal surgery.

Spinal disease can take many forms – from acute disc extrusions, commonly seen in Dachshunds and other small breeds, to complex vertebral malformations, chronic disc protrusions, lumbosacral disease, and spinal fracture-luxations. Accurate diagnosis is essential to providing effective treatment.


Our state-of-the-art imaging and surgical facilities allow rapid diagnosis and advanced, patient-specific treatment planning. Whether it’s an emergency or a complex long-term condition, your patients will receive expert, compassionate care throughout their journey.

Many surgical spinal cases require prompt investigation and intervention. We aim to see urgent cases on the same day, where required. Our spinal surgeon is also happy to provide email and telephone advice to veterinary surgeons on case management.

We accept referrals for a range of spinal conditions, including Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) and Lumbosacral Disease. Each case is assessed individually, with package pricing offered to provide transparency for clients.

We work closely with referring vets to ensure clear communication, timely updates, and ongoing support. Referrals can be submitted via our website or by contacting our team directly.


Spinal Surgery

  • Comprehensive neurological and spinal examination
  • Advanced imaging: Digital radiography, CT, MRI
  • Patient-specific treatment planning
  • For acute intervertebral disc extrusions
  • Rapid decompression to relieve spinal cord compression
  • For lateralized disc extrusions and selected chronic disc protrusions
  • Aims to decompress nerve roots and improve limb function
  • For chronic ventral disc protrusions causing spinal cord compression
  • Provides long-term decompression and stabilization
  • Used in chronic disc protrusions or vertebral malformations with instability
  • Includes procedures for atlantoaxial luxation in small breed dogs
  • Internal fixation using plates, screws, and bone cement
  • Versatile approach for traumatic injuries to the vertebral column
  • Post-operative rehabilitation and pain management strategies
  • Collaboration with referring vets for ongoing care

Spinal Surgery Referral Packages

Fixed-price packages are offered for common spinal procedures to ensure cost transparency and streamline the referral process.

CASECOST
Package price Hemilaminectomy (IVDD) T1-S1
(includes consult, GA Contrast CT scan, surgery, all consumables, catheterisation, general anaesthetic, laser therapy, hospitalisation for one night (further days are charged at £250/night)
£3800
MRI one region   
(inclusive of GA, MRI + contrast and routine 3-5 day interpretation)
£2000
MRI up to three regions 
(inclusive of GA, MRI + contrast and routine 3-5day interpretation) 
£2500
Urgent 4 hour interpretationAdditional £378
Priority 24 hour interpretationAdditional £340


Packages include:

  • Referral consultation
  • Sedation and imaging (radiographs, CT, MRI as required)
  • General anaesthesia and surgery
  • Surgical implants and medications
  • Overnight hospitalisation if required
  • Discharge medications for up to 2 weeks

Each package is tailored based on submitted imaging and patient assessment.

Referring veterinarians can submit cases via our website or contact us at 01270 439277.

Dr. Humberto (Bert) Abreu, – DVM, CertAVP (GSAS), MRCVS

RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Surgery

Dr. Humberto Abreu graduated from the University of Porto, Portugal, in 2004. He spent the first eight years of his career practicing in Portugal before relocating to the UK to further develop his expertise in small animal surgery.

In the UK, Dr. Abreu worked in a busy small animal referral hospital in Scotland under the mentorship of experienced surgical specialists, earning his RCVS Certificate in Small Animal Surgery (CertSAS). He subsequently held clinical roles at several leading orthopaedic referral centres across the UK, refining his skills in orthopaedics and spinal surgery.

In August 2025, Dr. Abreu joined Eden Vet Referrals. His clinical interests include stifle pathology, fracture management, and spinal surgery, though he is experienced in all aspects of orthopaedic and spinal cases. He is known for his calm, compassionate approach and dedication to delivering high standards of care for patients and their owners.