We recommend neutering of female dogs for several reasons. The procedure can reduce the risk of mammary tumours, and completely prevent ovarian tumours, unplanned pregnancies, and uterine infections. Spaying can also help with behavioural problems.
Naturally, owners worry about their pet undergoing surgery. Spaying, whilst routine, is also complex to perform, and traditionally has involved a lengthy recovery period. Advancements in surgical techniques and equipment, however, now mean that spaying can be completed with significantly reduced recovery time, reduced post operative pain, and reduced risk of complications.
Here at Aldgate, we are one of the few veterinary practices in the area to perform keyhole procedures. Laparoscopic ovariectomy, or ‘lap spay’, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure which is now considered to be the gold standard in neutering for female dogs.
This surgical technique uses two very small (0.5-1.2cm) keyhole ports to enter the abdomen of a female dog. The first allows camera access to give a clear image of the internal organs. The other incision allows for surgical instruments to enter cleanly, removing the dog’s ovaries.
This form of surgery has significant advantages over the alternative method.
Less pain
The incision made between the muscles of the abdominal wall during a traditional spay is between 5cm and 7cm long. These incisions are more traumatic than the small incisions made during the laparoscopic procedure.
Removing the ovaries during laparoscopic surgery is much more controlled, too. The ovaries are suspended by a long ligament with broad attachments to the body wall, and during keyhole surgery these are precisely cauterised and cut, as opposed to the stretching and tearing needed during a traditional spay.
This results in far less post-operative pain, making for a more comfortable overall experience.
No collars required!
Traditional incisions in the abdomen are significantly larger than the laparoscopic incisions. Our traditional spays tend to go home with either an Elizabethan collar (cone of shame) or a medical pet shirt. Most of our laparoscopic patients do not bother with their wounds, and generally no form of wound protection is required.
Up and around faster
One of the greatest benefits of lap-spay is its significantly shorter recovery period. Dogs undergoing standard spaying are usually left recuperating for 10 to 14 days. Keeping young and active dogs rested (and prevented from interfering with their wounds) for this length of time can be a real challenge for owners!
With a lap-spay, your dog can be spayed, rested, and fully recovered in as little as two to three days – meaning less stress for both of you during the post-operative period.
Lexi’s experience with lap-spay
When Aldgate client Janine Holmes heard about a friend’s positive experience with lap-spay, she was immediately interested. With all her previous dogs, Janine had opted for a traditional spay. Their recoveries had generally been long, difficult, and stressful. Her dog Lexi, a five-year-old pointer, is bright, bouncy, and incredibly energetic. “Tigger on speed”, as she’s known, was not going to recover well from standard surgery. There was no way she’d be able to rest and allow herself to heal for ten whole days!
Intrigued by what she’d heard about lap-spaying, Janine contacted the surgery for more information. We explained the operation clearly, and give her all the pros and cons involved. Happy with the information she’d been given, Lexi was booked in for her operation at the Driffield surgery.
“The experience was amazing,” Janine says. “Lexi suffers with nerves, but staff at the surgery put her at ease both pre and post op – ensuring she was comfortable throughout the whole process.”
They gave Janine confidence too: “I knew that Lexi dog was in safe hands. She was so happy and relaxed that her tail was wagging as she walked out the door!”
Back at home, Lexi’s recovery went very smoothly. She left Aldgate without a vest or cone, and her tiny wounds did not require cleaning. Lexi was also eating almost straight away, and was toileting without discomfort. After just three days, she was up and around and enjoying life playing out the garden.
“The after-care was brilliant,” Janine says. “I was able to call up the surgery anytime for advice. Aldgate rang on day two to check in on Lexi, and the scheduled check-up on day ten wasn’t needed!”
Janine says she will be opting for lap-spay with all her future dogs, and will be recommending it to everybody.
“The increased cost, compared with standard spaying, was absolutely worth it,” she said. “Seeing Lexi bounce back so quickly after her operation was fantastic, and it gave me so much peace of mind knowing she’d received great care.”
