Some of the best reasons to spay a dog are to reduce animal overpopulation, increase the chance of a longer and healthier life, and reduce the urge to roam. Altered animals have a lower risk of mammary gland and other tumors and cancers. [1] With the urge to roam lowered, there is less chance of getting hit by a car. Fortunately, pet owners do have options when considering surgery.
A traditional dog spay surgery requires an incision that is 2″ to 4″ long. The surgeon tears the ovarian ligament from the abdominal wall and removes both the ovaries and the uterus. Even when performed perfectly, the traditional spay procedure is serious enough and leaves enough potential for surgical complications, that any responsible veterinarian will keep the dog overnight for medication and observation. There are other options available that many are not aware of.
Compare a minimally invasive spay (the laparoscopic ovariectomy). An incision is created that is only 0.19″ long. Through this incision, a tiny camera and tiny instruments can be inserted, including a high frequency cautery device. The ovarian ligaments can be cauterized, rather than tearing them from their attachment. Through this procedure, the ovaries can be removed while leaving the uterus intact. This avoids the potential for certain surgical complications and proves far less traumatic internally. Dogs spayed using the endoscopic, minimally invasive technique recover faster and can be responsibly discharged the same day. Spays can now be an outpatient procedure.
The endoscopic equipment magnifies the organs on the monitor, so laparoscopic spays allow for better visualization of the internal organs. This enables a better view to monitor any other issues that could affect the healing process.
Healing Springs Animal Hospital is the first and only vet in the region offering spays performed by endoscopy. This minimally invasive procedure is shown to reduce pain by 65% compared to a traditional spay. [2]
Learn more:
Minimally Invasive Spays. https://healingspringsanimalhospital.com/Laparoscopic-Spays-Ovariectomy.html
Modernizing the Traditional Spay. https://healingspringsanimalhospital.com/Ovariectomy-OVE.html
[1] Benefits of Spaying or Neutering Pets. [Internet] Available from: https://www.animalleague.org/get-involved/spay-usa/benefits-spaying-or-neutering-pets/
[2] Devitt, Chad, DVM, MS, DACVS. Duration, complication, stress, and pain of open ovariohysterectomy versus a simple method of laparoscopic-assisted ovariohysterectomy in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 2005; 227 (6).
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