Minimally Invasive (Laparoscopic) Spaying (Oophorectomy, aka Ovariectomy) - Page 1

I recently had a German Shepherd spayed using the minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure, in which only the ovaries are removed, and the uterus left (oophorectomy, aka ovariectomy). NOT to be confused with ovariohysterectomy, in which both the ovaries and uterus are removed).

Less anesthesia, less time in surgery, only two very small incisions with internal absorbable stitches, less medication, less pain, and much shorter recovery time (3 days instead of 14).

The Vet told me since the dog was going into heat soon when the spay was performed, that a short mini "heat" when the uterus empties, could happen afterwards (change in hormones).  This occurred starting about day 5 or 6 after surgery, was very light, and lasted a couple of days.  The dog kept herself clean, so no "big girl panties" needed.

The Vet said recovery was three days and keep the dog quiet and only walk outside to pee and poo. When I picked the dog up at the Vet, she walked to the car under her own steam (a little gingerly) and I helped her in and out and she walked to her pee-poo area and then into the house.  Peeing and pooing were a little tentative for a few days after, and to this day the dog's posture for both is a little different than before.  Before even two days were up, the dog was trying to play, jump, run, etc. and needed extra attention to prevent it.

Because the dog had figured out how to defeat a cone in less than 5 minutes (smash and collapse against wall) when she needed one some years ago, I opted for a body suit instead of a cone.

Lesson learned: Get three body suits to facilitate washing while another one is being worn. They will cause the dog to retain doggie odor, but have to wait the time the Vet says before a bath is allowed, in this case 5 days to a week, although wipes were OK. The body suit was so much better than a cone for dog, human, car, and house.

The recovery was so much easier, faster, and nice for both dog and human that I will never opt for a traditional spay again, no matter the cost difference, unless there's a veterinary reason to do so. Ditto using a body suit instead of a cone, unless a veterinary reason for it.

What a wonderful advance in Veterinary care!

 

My German Shepherd had this procedure recently when she was a little over age 2. She also had preventive gastropexy done at the same time. It was a breeze for both of us. I used a soft cone only at night and when she wasn't under my supervision during the day. Only downside is the cost, but so much easier on the dog.

The Vet offered the preventive gastropexy, but since recovery was back up to 14 days, I decided against it.

This procedure will not prevent pyometra, correct? That is the sole reason I am considering having my females spayed. One is seven, the other one almost three. I don't mind their heat cycles, and prefer keeping them intact, but I do worry about pyometra.

Important to note that said dogs will continue to display heat behaviours and be enticing to other dogs, and yes @belgin there is still a risk of pyometra (many veterinary sites explain this better than I can), and the procedure still comes with all the other disadvantages of having an intact dog, meaning that the dog will go into heat etc. Dog will also have increased risk of mammary and ovarian cancer as well as other risks. There is generally a lack of research on OSS benefits/risks.

Personally I would just go ahead and spay a dog rather than do this.

If you are worried about pyometra, and that's the only reason for any spay, I'd say just wait and see, and pay attention to the dog. If pyo happens, spay then - the only option is a traditional spay at that point which is fine. If she doesn't get pyo, great; if she does, make sure you catch it early and get her spayed and treated immediately.