Having your female dog or cat spayed is significant and important decision. Thanks to recent advancements in veterinary care, several safe options are available. Our San Diego vets are here to discuss laparoscopic spay procedures for dogs and cats.
What is laparoscopic spay surgery?
Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure where a tiny camera called a laparoscope is inserted into the abdomen to provide a visual guide for the surgeon.
In veterinary medicine, a laparoscopic spay is also known as keyhole, endoscopic, or video surgery, and it allows veterinarians to obtain a clear view of your pet's reproductive system and internal organs.
During the surgery, the veterinarian makes two small incisions in the abdomen and places ports for the cameras and surgical equipment to carefully remove your female dog or cat's ovaries. Following the surgery, your cat or dog will be unable to get pregnant and give birth to kittens or puppies.
Laparoscopic Spay Surgical Technique for Cats & Dogs
During laparoscopic spaying, veterinary surgeons typically make one to three small incisions along the abdominal body wall. They then insert a camera and surgical instruments through these incisions to carry out the procedure.
Carbon dioxide (CO2 gas) is introduced into your pet's abdomen to enhance the visibility of internal organs and structures. The surgeon uses the camera to navigate the internal area and transmits the images digitally to a screen in the operating room.
This enables the veterinary surgeon to fully view the entire abdomen and complete the procedure without physically entering the abdominal cavity. Once the blood vessels are sealed, the surgeon carefully cuts across (transects) and removes your pet's ovaries (also known as performing an ovariectomy).
The Difference Between Laparoscopic & Traditional Spay Surgery
A laparoscopic spay requires two small incisions, each one-fifth of an inch to two-fifths of an inch long, whereas a traditional spay requires a two to four-inch long incision. You can see why laparoscopy is considered less invasive.
In a laparoscopic spay, only a cat or dog's ovaries are removed. Fewer surgical cuts are made to the pet's reproductive organs, which can result in less bleeding and trauma.
Your dog benefits from a laparoscopic spay compared to a traditional spay in the following ways:
- Lowered post-op pain
- Less bruising at the surgical site
- Less trauma to organs
- Fewer complications from surgery
- Enhanced ability for veterinarians to note other problems
Research has shown that animals undergoing the laparoscopic procedure feel significantly less pain after this type of operation than with a traditional spay. The surgery time is shorter, and there is generally less bleeding. Due to smaller incisions, recovery occurs typically in half the time compared to post-operative timeframes for an open spay operation. Recovery includes faster wound and skin healing and a quicker return to normal activity.
While some vets may prefer lasers for traditional spay surgery, others still prefer a scalpel. Vets use scalpels for many procedures and are skilled at them. It's also important to note that spaying is among the most common veterinary surgeries, and most vets become very skilled at it.
Benefits of traditional spay include:
- Readily available at most veterinary hospitals.
- It often costs less than laser spaying.
Cats and dogs do not commonly experience hemorrhaging when a skilled veterinary surgeon performs a spay procedure, and the type of bleeding that can occur as a complication during spays cannot be stopped or prevented by using a laser rather than a scalpel.
By choosing a reputable vet and an animal hospital that you trust, the risks of complications due to the spaying surgery (whether laser or traditional) should be minimal. When you book an appointment to have your pet spayed, be sure to ask your vet about the risks of surgery and the recovery process.
Your Cat or Dog's Recovery After a Laparascopy Spaying Procedure
We recommend confining your cat or dog to one room, separate from other pets, for the first 24 hours after arriving home from their spaying procedure. Keep your pet calm and away from stairs or slippery surfaces. Additionally, do not allow your dog to jump or climb.
You can take your dog out on a leash round your home for washroom breaks as needed. After the first 24 hours post-surgery, you can take your dog out for unlimited walks. However, very active dogs should remain on a leash for seven days to avoid over-exercising.
Ask your vet if you'll need to return for a re-check visit. No skin sutures will need to be removed because the two small skin incisions will have been closed with surgical adhesive.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. San Diego Bay Animal Hospital is unable to perform laparoscopic surgeries at this time. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.