laparoscopic ovariectomy vs. traditional open surgery

Calia

laparoscopic ovariectomy is a minimally invasive way of spaying a female dog, and something I'm seriously considering for Miyu. It is a two port technique, that leaves two 1 inch incisions in the dog and their generally ready to run within a day or two. There is also a single port version and a triple port, it all depend on what equipment they use. A much neater procedure, there is less risk of complications and may eventually become the common way to spay. Here is a little more information about it:

http://www.veterinarylaparoscopy.com/page38.htm
http://www.drjaffe.com/site/view/133202_LaparoscopicSurgery.pml
http://lapspay.com/lapspay-laparascopic-spay-procedure.html

A comparative video showing the difference between the insides of a dog that has gone through traditional open surgery and laparoscopic ovariectomy:







The major downfall to this procedure is the price. I talked to a vet, who has only been practicing this procedure for almost a year. The price he quoted for a traditional style spay was $375, for the laparoscopic ovariectomy it would be $750-$800. Since he is still new to this procedure, doing it this way would take longer than the traditional spay. There is another vet near me who has more experience with this procedure, who costs more.

I'm wondering if anyone else has researched, considered or done this procedure with their pups

CrimsonO2

interesting that a vet with more experience with the procedure would cost more...

Sorry I can't help you there, Kurenai is betrothed ;-)

Jesse

tjbart17

I can't help either. I've never had to spay a female dog. I've always preferred boys until I got Mei. But she was spayed (with a rather grotesque looking crooked scar) at five months old.

But can you keep us posted on what you decide and why? It would be good to learn more.

TeamLaika

If you're OK with the additional cost, I say go for it. Additional cost can be expected with the additional time under anesthesia and also the use of a laparoscopy unit. Check out this post and the comments.
http://www.petconnection.com/blog/2011/03/15/a-better-way-to-spay-your-dog-that-you-probably-never-heard-about/

Also from the same site, http://www.petconnection.com/blog/2011/03/17/another-better-way-to-spay-that-you-probably-never-heard-of/

I am hopeful that the OVE will become more commonplace.

Calia

@TeamLaika - Thanks for the encouragement and the information:)

I have talked to a vet that has been performing laparoscopic spays since 2005, and he seems to be the most experienced on Long Island. He's also a holistic vet that believes a female should be spayed after their second heat (around 18months old) and has many great insights and views. Too bad he's an hour away or I'd make him my regular vet. Unfortunately, I can't make an appointment yet with him since the power is out in the office due to the hurricane. He told me to try back on Thursday in hopes that the power has been restored by then.

EDIT: One of the things i want to ask him is if it's possible to get a recording of the procedure. would be interesting to see Miyu's insides

Zinja

I called up the UF vet school and they do Laparoscopic surgery. That cost will range between $600 to $800. Many places do not do the surgery because they do not have the equipment to do so.

I asked how many people opt for that procedure as oppose to the regular spay and neuter and I was told they have many professors and vet school students opting for the procedure as well. You drop your dog off on Monday and they monitor her over the night and pick her up on Tuesday.

Let us know if you do the procedure! I get a discount so I'm considering it if I get a puppy too.