Laparoscopic spaying
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Minimal pain due to both smaller wounds and much less trauma
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Much faster recoveries with a quicker return to activity
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Keyhole surgery is the gold standard that we expect as human patients
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Wound size is very much reduced. Typically two 6mm incisions
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Better visualization of organs and accuracy of surgical technique
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Less likelihood of wound swelling
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Less stressful for your dog
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Safety
Disadvantages
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The cost is increased above the standard fee, currently by £119 + VAT to reflect the equipment costs.
We are happy to discuss minimally invasive surgery and quote for the procedure.
Ovariectomy vs. Ovariohysterectomy (Removal of ovaries vs. removal of the ovaries and uterus) To maximize the aforementioned benefits, our preference is to perform the ovariectomy. There are no medical disadvantages to this procedure, although currently it is novel in the UK.
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We will ask you to starve your dog from 6 pm the night before their operation. This minimises the chance of them vomiting during their anaesthetic. Please offer water to them until you bring them in.
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On the day of the operation we will admit your dog. If we have seen your dog recently a nurse will do this. If we haven’t seen your dog recently, a vet will admit them.
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An injection of pain relief and mild sedative will be given next. This makes the procedure more comfortable and safer.
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Once these medications have taken effect, a vet and nurse will administer the anaesthetic injection into the leg vein. A small patch of fur will be clipped over the front of the leg where this is given.
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A soft tube will then be inserted into your dog’s airway so that oxygen and anaesthetic gas can be given.
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Whilst the nurse monitors the anaesthetic and prepares the surgical site the vet will clean their hands and arms thoroughly so that the chances of wound infection are kept to a minimum.
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Once this has been done the operation will start. This involves making two small (6mm long) incisions through the skin and muscle, where the camera scope and instruments are inserted. There will also be two small puncture wounds where a special tool is used to keep the ovary in place during the operation. A vet and nurse will be present throughout the anaesthetic.
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The incisions will be stitched up after the ovaries have been removed.
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When the operation is finished your dog will be kept on oxygen without anaesthetic, until they wake up.
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You will be asked to bring your dog back approximately 3 days and 10 days after the operation. At the first check we will make sure your dog is recovering well and has no problems. The second check is when the stitches are usually removed.