Laparoscopic Spays

Dr. Randy Hutchison and Animal Clinic Northview are proud to announce the addition of a new, exciting and less stressful procedure that is available for your cat and dog.

Female animals have been sterilized with a traditional spay for years. The traditional procedure requires a 3"-6" abdominal incision depending on the size of the animal. Two ligaments, called the suspensery ligaments, are broken down to free the ovaries from their attachments. The vessels to the ovary-uterus are then sutured and these structures are removed from the abdomen. The abdominal wall is then sutured. These sutures typically require a return trip to the clinic in 10-14 days for their removal.  

Minimally invasive laparoscopy can now be used to achieve the same outcome with reduced post-operative side effects. Either an ovariectomy (removal of ovaries only) or an ovariohysterectomy (removal of ovaries and uterus) can be performed.

Performing either of these procedures only requires 2 to 3 5mm-10mm incisions in most cases. The vessels and supporting structures to the ovary and uterus are ligated with a special cautery instrument. After the reproductive system has been freed from its attachments, it is removed through the small incisions in the body wall. Most patients are able to go home the same day and usually don't even need to come back to the office for suture removal!

Many people ask why either procedure is an option. The answer is that the vast majority of problems and diseases that arise within the female reproductive tract are a response to hormonal influence. Unwanted heat cycles, pregnancy, pyometra, and endometritis are all a result of the hormones produced by the ovaries.

The choice between an ovariectomy and an ovariohysterectomy is primarily dependent on the owner's preference and whichever procedure may be advantageous to your pet. The truly exciting part is that these procedures can now be done in a minimally invasive way.

Dogs and cats can now be given the same surgical options as people and have the ability to benefit from laparoscopic procedures. If you or your local veterinarian have any questions on this procedure or any other minimal invasive laparoscopic procedure, please ask for Dr. Randy Hutchison at Animal Clinic Northview.