Ovary-Sparing Spay (OSS) DONE! - Page 1

Over the years, this has been mentioned here and there so many times, I thought I'd post about my first actual procedure in case anyone is considering this for their females. I'd always planned on doing the OSS vs. a traditional spay for my girls when the time came, but I had been unable to find a vet willing to do it until a few weeks ago. 

The vet I used and will likely use for lots of things now, is Dr. Elizabeth Cutright (how could you go wrong with Cutright???!). She and the practice owner, Dr. Joe Whalen, did an OSS on Capri on Monday. Dr. Cutright was pretty eager to do the procedure since they'd offered it to people previously and explained the benefits of leaving the ovaries where nature put them, but since it's not a mainstream procedure (yet!), no one had opted for it. I think she was actually excited when I asked specifically for an OSS.

Very happy with her attentiveness to Pri, the thoroughness of the pre-anesthesia exam,  and the way she handled her in general. I felt the cost was VERY reasonable. I would definitely recommend her. So, if anyone's been curious and wanting to do it or wanting to at least talk to a vet willing to do it, here's the info:

http://www.leparvet.com/

LOL @ Cutright!

So Jen they take the uterus and leave the ovaries;  or one ovary??  Kerschberger mentioned this a couple of years ago, and wished I had done it to Keaunna;  instead did full spay and stupid vet nicked the spleen and she nearly bled to death, then just told me to watch her like a hawk (which I did) for 2 weeks while he took off on vacation.  Believe me, not real happy to jump in and do that again.  Was scared shitless as my first shepherds mom nearly hemmoraged to death after her spay.  JHC.   Really do not want to spay another bitch again, prefer shepherd males anyway BUT how much do you think you saved $$ wise on this procedure and do they heal faster or ??  They still come in season right but of course cannot conceive.  Thx for sharing, hope Capri heals up well.  Nan

Nan, money had absolutely nothing to do with it. I have no idea what a traditional spay costs as I've never considered it. I would say healing would be identical, but she had the gastropexy too, so she has a huge incision- 17 staples. 

They left both ovaries (they said looked very healthy as did all her organs and uterus, esp. for her age). Tied off right below ovaries and just at cervix to remove the whole uterus to cut down the risk of a "stump pyo." The only reason to remove an ovary would be if it appeared unhealthy, cystic, etc. But hers looked great so they're gonna stay where Mother Nature put them. 

Jenni,

A friend of mine was recently considering this type of spay.  I guess I will be telling her all the good that has been mentioned here!  Thanks for a good thread.

Vonrivera

Vonrivera, here are a few articles:

http://www.gpmcf.org/respectovaries.html

http://www.parsemusfoundation.org/ovary-sparing-spay/

No of course not Jen but was curious as to your regular spay price vs. OSS??  I got from 300-$800.00 spay price and that was 4 years ago,  really curious as to area differences.  This area particularly expensive vet wise;  really better have healty dogs or deep pockets for vet bills.  Thank god mine are healthy thus far.  Nan

My normal vet does OSS for the same cost as a traditional spay (it's less than $150 here). I like that they are open to these procedures and don't go crazy with the charges.

Thank you for posting this news!  I had been curious about this procedure since your last post about your dog's upcoming gastropexy.  I think that this is best for the animal as well.  Just as in female humans, a hysterectomy should not automatically mean that the ovaries need to come out.  The hormones are there for a very important reason as our bodies age, and those hormones are needed as much in the aging process as they are needed during the growth and development phase of any mammal.  Good for you, great for Capri!  I would do the same (although I have always only had male dogs - that have never been neutered).  Thanks again for posting.