Whilst gaining popularity overseas laparoscopic spays are relatively new to New Zealand. We are currently only the second clinic in New Zealand to offer them routinely.

Laparoscopic spays provide a ‘minimally invasive’ alternative to your traditional bitch spay.

Traditional bitch spays usually involve the removal of both the ovaries and the uterus (ovariohysterectomy) through a larger incision where the uterus and ovaries need to first be pulled outside the abdomen to ligate the major blood vessels and uterine body. To do this usually requires the ovarian ligament to be stretched or ruptured away from the abdominal wall, which is a large contributor to post operative pain.

A laparoscopic spay only involves the removal of the ovaries (ovariectomy) through two small ‘key hole’ incisions, leaving the uterus intact and without stretching the ovarian ligament and therefore resulting in less trauma to the abdomen and generally a much faster recovery time for the patient.

During a laparoscopic spay, the abdomen is filled with C02 and a laparoscope is used to allow for high quality visualization of the internal organs. By doing this, the veterinary surgeon can visualize and isolate the ovaries, removing them with instruments and without placing a finger into the abdomen.

The laparoscopic spay can also allow for the veterinary surgeon to monitor the abdomen for any internal bleeding that may occur, which cannot be done as easily with a traditional spay.

Studies have shown that patients who have had a laparoscopic spay have shown 65% less pain than in a traditional open spay.

Research has also shown that full sterilization can be achieved without the need to remove both the uterus and the ovaries, and generally with less trauma and complications. The uterus can still be examined and removed if any abnormalities are present. We know how much our pets mean to us and feel very fortunate to be able to provide this minimally invasive procedure to our clients. Feel free to chat with any one of our nurses or vets to find out more about this procedure and why it may be right for your pet!

Additional information can be found on www.lapspay.com
Additional article: https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/laparoscopic-spay-dogs-and-cats