Laparoscopic spay surgery on a mature Boxer

In North America, a ‘spay’ is an ovariohysterectomy, with the removal of both ovaries and the whole uterus. Traditionally, this surgery is done via an incision on the midline of the abdomen to allow the surgeon access to the reproductive tract; incision sizes vary depending on the type of pet, size of pet and age. Regardless of the size of incision, pets typically need a full day to recover from anesthesia and to process the pain medications necessary during and following the surgery, and then they need to rest for a further 7-14 days at home. Most pets also need to wear an Elizabethan collar for that rest period to keep them from licking their incision.  

Most dogs and cats in North America are spayed around the age of 6-months. When they are young, anesthesia is safer and we believe that they heal more quickly. More importantly, if the spay occurs prior to an animal’s first “heat”, they do not experience the undesirable behaviours associated with a heat, and their risk of mammary cancer is reduced dramatically. Obviously, animals that are destined to have puppies or kittens have this surgery delayed. Being spayed older increases the complexity of the surgery a lot for the surgeon (more blood vessels, abdominal fat and swollen reproductive tissues), and a large incision and/or complicated surgery means that these animals typically take longer to recover.

Case Study:  ‘Gigi’ is a mature female boxer (shown here on the right sitting with her friend Tucker) who presented to us at the age of 6.5 years for an ovariohysterectomy after having had one litter of puppies approximately 2 years prior. This type of surgery has traditionally been a nightmare for both the dog (large incision, long recovery time in terms of pain, rest and collar) and for the surgeon (large dog, mature and swollen tissues).

Gigi was one of the first mature animals to undergo her spay using Eglinton Vet’s surgical laparoscope, and is a great example of why our doctors, patients and clients have embraced the technique. Despite her size and age, Dr. Hodges was able to perform the surgery via a small, 11mm incision and visualize tissue well (see photo), meaning that the surgery could be done safely, with minimal bleeding (usually a major issue during a mature spay). 

Like all of the dogs who have a laparoscopic spay, Gigi was standing up only 2-3 hours after the surgery, looking for some food and a walk. Rather than staying in the clinic overnight or longer, Gigi was home with Tucker and her family that same afternoon, with no E-collar to wear. We do ask that that the animals are monitored closely and rest for 2 days following surgery, but after that they are back in the park. Our team loves the fact that dogs like Gigi come through their spay surgeries so quickly and so comfortably!