Spaying

[J.Faulkner]

I have heard that it is now an option to have the ovaries removed as against a total hysterectomy. I have been told it is less traumatic, with a better recovery time. Has anyone had experience of this please with their bitch?

[Allyson]

I recently attended a seminar on neutering by Nick Thompson BSc (Hons) Path Sci., BVM&S, VetMFHom, MRCVS where this was discussed

Ovariectomy (where the ovaries only are removed) is done via keyhole surgery. It could be preferable for a performance dog as it is less invasive and can reduce adhesions etc. There are no benefits in this procedure v OVH re post spaying incontinence neither is there any increase in incidence of pyometra

It is finding a vet that does it and also it is more expensive.

The following paper may be of interest

Making a Rational Choice Between Ovariectomy and Ovariohysterectomy in the Dog: A Discussion of the Benefits of Either Technique by BART VAN GOETHEM DVM, AUKE SCHAEFERS-OKKENS DVM, PhD, Diplomate ECAR, JOLLE KIRPENSTEIJN DVM, PhD, Diplomate ACVS & ECVS

[J.Faulkner]

I would think the recovery time and discomfort for the bitch would be less? It will be interesting to read the paper - Thank-you.

[Rookie]

I have heard reports of some bitches being very uncomfortable post "keyhole-spay", some say more uncomfortable than they would have expected post "normal spay". Difficult to make a direct comparison though.

[Nette]

A friend had her Dobermann bitch spayed this way at Langford she was very pleased with the recovery time of her bitch, infact the next day my friend said you would never believe she had the keyhole surgery the day before.

[HeidiK]

As above! My friend had her rescue Springer spayed using the keyhole surgery. The next day you wouldn't have known she'd had anything done. In fact she felt so good, she went and caught their neighbours hen when it strayed into their garden...