Minimally Invasive / Laparoscopic Spay (L-OVE)

Pet Kare Clinic is pleased to be the first to offer laparoscopic spays to the western slope of Colorado. This minimally invasive spay technique raises the standard of care for elective abdominal surgery. Here are the facts:

The benefits of L-OVE are as follows:

• Faster recovery and return to normal activity (2-4 days compared to 7-10)
• Much lower risk of wound complications and infections (no open abdomen)
• Much less blood loss and lower risk of surgical complications (almost zero blood loss)
• Significantly lower measured stress (based on a study measuring stress hormones)
• Less adhesion formation that may cause future abdominal problems (scarring minimized)
• Increased visibility of vital structures for the surgeon (allows greater precision and assurance)

What to expect from a L-OVE:

A 10mm long (dime sized) incision (or as large as the ovary) just caudal to the umbilicus. Occasionally we will need a second incision 5mm long. There may be a couple of very small red spots (from a needle size instrument) on either side of the abdomen. The laparoscopic technique requires a slightly wider belly clip/shave. Quicker return to full function (2-4 days) than a conventional spay (7-10 days), and 60% less pain and stress after surgery.

Ovariectomy vs. Ovariohysterectomy:

• An ovariectomy (OVE) is sterilizing a female by removing only her ovaries, the uterus remains.
• An ovariohysterectomy (OHE) removes both the ovaries and the uterus, a small amount of the uterus remains.
• A laparoscopic ovariectomy (L-OVE) is an OVE performed with a minimally invasive technique

Why we used to only spay dogs with OHE:

It was traditionally thought that leaving the uterus adds risk of a future uterine infection or pyometra. Occasionally, some spayed females develop "stump-pyometra" which is infection of the small amount of uterus that is left behind in an OHE. This infection develops only under the influence of a hormone called progesterone, which is only made by the ovaries. Previous research supported that there may be a link between infections and the amount of uterus left behind. Some rational followed that this must mean that some progesterone is made by the uterus.

Why we now support spaying dogs with OVE:

According to European research, where almost all routine spays have always been OVE, the risk for pyometra is actually lower for OVE than OHE. This is likely because the surgeon gets better exposure and visualization of the ovaries in an OVE rather than the OHE where the surgeon makes a compromising middle incision that will also be used to remove the uterus. The evidence now shows that there is no progesterone made by the uterus and so OHE carries no advantage over the OVE. OVE however has many advantages over the OHE, especially when performed through minimally invasive surgery.

Why we now try to provide minimally invasive L-OVE's to all our RCHS spays:
We offer laparoscopic ovariectomies (L-OVE's) to RCHS puppies for no additional charge because the humane society puppies often recover from surgery in a more stressful kennel environment. We know that stress and pain slow wound healing and so the less stress and pain we inflict, the better for the puppies. We also feel this advances the standard of care for all animals treated by our hospital.

If you have questions about your dog, one of the above techniques of spaying, or any concerns, please call to speak with a member of our staff.

As with any surgery, if you suspect your animal is painful or experiencing a complication, please call a doctor at Pet Kare Clinic immediately so we can help your pet!

Downloadable Media From Laparoscopic Spays:

• Stepwise images taken during a routine L-OVE
• View of Abdomen Prior to Spaying 23.6MB Windows Media Movie Clip
• Dissection of Structures During an Ovariectomy 23.4MB Windows Media Movie Clip

Call to ask a doctor about making your
pet's surgery a minimally invasive experience!