Did you know? Here at Crofts Vets, we offer laparoscopic spaying as well as traditional female spaying, but what is the difference? And what should you choose for your pet?
Spaying is a crucial procedure for responsible pet ownership, helping to prevent unwanted litters and contributing to the overall health and well-being of your pet. When considering spaying options, pet owners now have a choice between traditional spaying and the more modern laparoscopic spaying, also known as "keyhole" surgery. This article will explore the differences between these two methods, highlighting the benefits of laparoscopic spaying and providing guidance on when to safely neuter your pet.
laparoscopic Spay vs Traditional Spay
Laparoscopic surgery, otherwise known as 'keyhole' surgery, is a procedure that uses a camera and specialised instruments to carry out pet spaying. It is becoming an increasingly popular choice amongst pet-owners for all of the many benefits listed in this article. Laparoscopic spaying is performed via keyhole surgery, which involves making three small ‘keyhole’ incisions to remove the female's ovaries.
In contrast, traditional spaying involves making a large incision on the abdomen and the uterus, where the ovaries are then removed.
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When can my dog be neutered?
Females can be neutered from six months of age; for most breeds, we suggest spaying females before they have had their first season. However in some breeds we will advise waiting longer.
If your dog has already started having seasons, we would need to wait three months after a season before she can safely be spayed. We would also consider your dog’s breed, size, overall behaviour and other risk factors so we can provide the most suitable recommendation.
The advantages of keyhole spaying vs traditional spaying:
The advantages of keyhole spaying over traditional spaying are significant, making it an increasingly popular choice among pet owners who want the best care for their dogs. At Crofts Vets, we highly recommend laparoscopic spaying due to the numerous benefits it offers:
- Dogs have less pain after the procedure due to the minimally invasive nature of the procedure.
- Dogs recover faster and have fewer post-operative complications, allowing them to return to normal acitivites sooner.
- Dogs tend to interfere less with their wounds due to the smaller incisions.
- It can be combined with a gastropexy in large dogs to prevent gastric dilation and twisting, a potentially life-threatening condition.
By choosing laparoscopic or 'keyhole' spaying, you'll be taking an extra step to safeguarding your pet's health and giving them a more comfortable and less painful neutering experience
Further information for Pet-owners
At Crofts Vets, our experienced veterinary surgeons are trained in this advanced technique, ensuring that your dog receives the highest standard of care. The procedure is carried out under general anesthesia, and your pet can usually go home the same day, making it a convenient option for busy pet owners.
While laparoscopic spaying requires specialist equipment and training, which makes it slightly more expensive than traditional spaying, the benefits it offers in terms of your dog’s comfort and safety are well worth the investment. We believe that your pet deserves the best, and we are here to provide it.
We are always at the end of the telephone for you and your pet, so please contact us on 01428 653056 if you have any further questions.
