1. If you only remove the ovaries then is my dog at risk of uterine cancer?

No. There are now lifelong studies published in dogs spayed at six months old laparoscopically and followed throughout their entire lives. ZERO died from any uterine complications.

2.Can my dog still get a pyometra (womb infection)?

No. There has to be active ovarian tissue left behind for this to be a possibility.

3.So why is the uterus taken away in a traditional spay?

It’s not necessary. The uterus is removed, which is ‘what has always been done’ and taught. It doesn’t need to be. Many other countries now perform an open ovariectomy (removing the ovaries only).

4. What if you can see something wrong with the uterus?

We can remove it. The uterus can easily be removed laparoscopically too or we can easily swap to the traditional spay method.

Keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery is developing and is offering huge post operative advantages for dogs such as less pain and quicker recovery time.

The traditional bitch spay is undergoing a change. Keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery is developing and is offering huge post operative advantages for dogs such as less pain and quicker recovery time, and owners are now seeking out this technique with increasing frequency.

Post operative pain is vastly reduced through this procedure, a fact that is backed up by studies that compared traditional, and keyhole spay post-operatively. They showed blood glucose and cortisol (indicators of stress) at significantly lower levels from 30 minutes to two days post operatively after the keyhole spay compared to the traditional spay.

Pedometers attached to dogs also show quicker return to higher movement levels, and usually we would only recommend 48 hours rest before returning to normal routine and exercise levels. In the traditional spay 14 days restricted exercise is recommended.

An ovariohysterectomy (removal of both the ovaries and uterus) is the traditional method for spaying. Within the last 15 to 20 years many researchers and practitioners have started to argue against the need for this.

A lifetime study of dogs spayed via keyhole technique has been published in the US and reveals 0% of the dogs involved had any uterine complications in their lifetime.  Without the influence of oestrogen (hormone produced by the ovaries) the uterus is dormant and does not need removing.

So is your dog a candidate for laparoscopic procedures?

We have invested in more laparoscopic surgery equipment which means we can now offer laparoscopic speys for dogs between 3kg – 35kg

Dogs should be of the correct body condition score, any scores over 5/9 and the surgery has increased risks (you can book in with one of our nurses to check this!)

The keyhole spay method is perfect for very active dogs who cannot keep still! Usually following the procedure, only two days restricted exercise is needed and then the dog can return to normal exercise levels. This also makes the keyhole spay perfect for working dogs that need to be back to normal as soon as possible