Laparoscopic Spay

Laparoscopic Spay surgery is a form of minimally invasive surgery. It is considered by many to be the gold standard for neutering female dogs.

Benefits for the patient:

Minimal peri-operative pain
Faster healing and recovery – pets are often back to normal within 24 hours post-surgery
Strict rest for 48 hours only compared to 10-14 days after a traditional spay
Smaller wounds – less likely to self-traumatise
Reduced adhesions
Increased visualisation decreases the risk of an ovarian remnant (a piece of ovary being left)
Less risk of bleeding due to better visualisation and advanced vessel sealing equipment

A study of dogs under 10kg demonstrated that their activity for 48 hours after surgery was reduced by 62% in those who had a traditional open spay but by only 25% in those who had had a laparoscopic spay.

The effect of laparoscopic versus open ovariectomy on post-surgical activity in small dogs.

What does the procedure involve?

A large clip of fur to allow ovaries to be picked up internally from the outside
A general anaesthetic
Two small incisions on the pet’s under-surface
Gas is used to lift the body wall away from the internal organs
A small camera is inserted to inspect the ovaries and uterus
A vessel sealing device used to remove the ovaries
In a standard laparoscopic spay, only the ovaries are removed, and the uterus is left inside
If the uterus is abnormal or any complications arise, the procedure is converted to traditional open surgery
Your pet will go home the same day unless we have any concerns

Are there any risks from only removing ovaries and not the uterus?

Removing only the ovaries (an ovariectomy) is less traumatic than removing both the ovaries and uterus (ovariohysterectomy). Disease of the uterus is mainly due to oestrogen. Oestrogen is produced by the ovaries so as long as those are removed the risks of uterus disease is extremely small.

Why are laparoscopic spays more expensive than traditional spays

Specialist equipment is required, which is costly to purchase and maintain. Extra surgical training is also needed for vets to perform this procedure.

What does the price include?

A preoperative check and discussion with the nurse
General anaesthesia and the laparoscopic removal of ovaries
Pain relief
A recovery shirt to prevent your pet from licking the wounds
2 post-operative checks

Extras:

We offer a pre-operative blood test to check for underlying problems such as anaemia, liver or kidney problems – please ask at booking or the pre-operative check for details.

For more information on or to book your pet’s Laparoscopic Spay, please call our reception team on 01608 730501.