Laparoscopic Ovariectomy –

available to patients over 7kg body weight.

Just as keyhole surgery has advantages in humans, the same opportunity now exists for our pets.

Keyhole surgery is minimally invasive surgery involving passing a camera and specialised instruments through tiny incisions in the body wall.

Advantages compared to a traditional bitch spey:

  • Less pain after surgery
  • Smaller incisions
  • Faster recovery time (3 days)
  • No external stitches to chew (so no buster collar)
  • Faster healing times
  • Fewer post-operative complications
  • Clearer view and magnification for the surgeon

Due to the positioning of the instruments, a large clip area is required on both sides of the abdomen to ensure the area is aseptic.

The operation is performed through two small incisions 0.5-1.2cm (compared to 6-15cm for traditional bitch speys).

The camera (laparoscope) is placed through one incision, and slender instruments through the other. The surgeon can then visualise the ovaries on the screen and remove them.

Frequently asked questions

  • Does my pet require pain relief at home and when can my pet return to normal activity?
    We routinely send all patients home with 2-3days of pain killer.  One of the major advantages of this procedure is that the wounds are so small most animals do not need any further pain relief and can resume normal activity after only 2 days.
  • How long does the operation take?
    Surgical time depends on the patient, but is usually around 1 hour. Patients recover quickly and in the majority of cases go home the same day.
  • When should I get my pet speyed?
    The spey procedure needs to be carried out when your pet is not in season.  Most dogs will cycle every 6 months so the ideal time is approximately 3 months after a season.  We can also spey prior to the 1st season.
  • What is the cost?
    The cost depends on the weight of the patient.  The fee charged includes 2-3 days of pain relief and post-operative check ups.
    Please contact us for further details.

If you require any specific information, please telephone us at the practice on (01629 55 666) . You will be able to speak immediately to one of our vets or nurses.