Desexing Female Dog and Cats

The most common and established method of desexing in female dogs and cats is ovariohysterectomy (removal of the ovaries and uterus) via a midline incision into the abdomen (called a laparotomy), performed under general anaesthesia.

To put that another way, the uterus and ovaries are visualised directly by making a suitably sized cut through the abdominal wall (skin, fat, muscle and peritoneum). The incision can range anywhere from 20-30mm in cats, up to 100-150mm in larger dogs. As the ovaries and uterus are removed, ligatures (or knots) are tied tightly around the blood vessels that supply the ovaries and uterus, to prevent haemorrhage.

This method of desexing has become the accepted norm in many parts of the world including Australia, the UK and North America. It is relatively simple and economical to perform, and in experienced hands can be performed safely.

However, there are drawbacks to this type of surgery when compared to the alternative, and as with any surgery, complications can occasionally arise. It is naturally quite an invasive procedure as the abdomen needs to be opened right up, and sutured closed at the end. Consequently, there is an increased risk of haemorrhage, the level of post-operative pain is higher, infection risk is higher, and there is a very small risk of abdominal wound dehiscence (where the closed wound edges separate and wound healing fails).

LAPAROSCOPY – A NEW APPROACH TO DESEXING IN FEMALE DOGS AND CATS

Among other surgical procedures, laparoscopy offers an alternative to desexing of female dogs and cats and is increasing in popularity amongst both veterinarians and pet owners. The method used is referred to as Laparoscopic Ovariectomy. Like the traditional method, it is performed under general anaesthesia, otherwise there are many important differences. Using a laparoscopic approach to the reproductive tract, the ovaries are removed from the abdomen via two small incisions. The procedure is less invasive, in many cases faster, with far less pain during the recovery period.

What is Laparoscopy?

Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive technique for viewing the organs and other structures within the abdomen. Very small incisions are made in the abdominal wall to allow the placement of ports. Through the ports, highly specialised equipment is introduced into the abdomen – a small telescope and camera, and instruments for handling, cutting and cauterising tissue (to prevent bleeding). Magnified images of the abdominal organs are visible to the surgeon on a high-definition monitor. Laparoscopy allows a number of abdominal surgical procedures to be undertaken, with many benefits over traditional open surgery.

A key difference is that Laparoscopic Ovariectomy only results in removal of the ovaries, and not the uterus. Because both ovaries are removed, fertility is lost and “heat” and unwanted pregnancy are avoided. Because the incidence of mammary cancer and pyometra are linked to the hormonal function of the ovaries, the risk of these conditions is minimised or eliminated in exactly the same way as for standard ovariohysterectomy.

A study published in the Journal of Veterinary Surgery in 2006 compared ovariectomy (removal of ovaries) to ovariohysterectomy (removal of ovaries and uterus). The study concluded that “ovariohysterectomy is technically more complicated, time consuming, and is probably associated with greater morbidity (larger incision, more intraoperative trauma, increased discomfort) compared with ovariectomy. No significant differences between techniques were observed for incidence of long-term urogenital problems, including endometritis/pyometra and urinary incontinence, making ovariectomy the preferred method of gonadectomy in the healthy bitch”.

Advantages of Laparoscopic Ovariectomy over Ovariohysterectomy

Ovariectomy as a method of desexing female dogs and cats has been the standard approach in Europe for several decades. Now, using a laparoscopic technique and equipment, this method of desexing can offer a number of significant benefits over traditional ovariohysterectomy.

  • Significantly less painful – controlled cuts in the ovarian ligament avoid much of the pain caused by tearing this tissue in traditional ovariohysterectomy, and the entire surgery is performed through two tiny incisions rather than a large abdominal opening
  • Improved visualisation of abdominal organs, and reduced tissue handling and trauma
  • Reduced risk and improved control of haemorrhage through the use of controlled cutting and cauterising/sealing equipment
  • Reduced recovery time
  • Reduced risk of complications such as haemorrhage, post-operative infection and wound dehiscence
  • In large breed dogs, preventative/prophylactic gastropexy can be performed at the time of desexing, in order to prevent GDV (gastric dilatation/volvulus).

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT LAPAROSCOPIC ASSISTED GASTROPEXY IN DOGS