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OVARIOHYSTERECTOMY IN DOGS AND CATS
Overview
Due to recent advances in veterinary medicine, more options are now available when it is time to have your pet “spayed”. The surgery may be done in a traditional “open” manner or through minimally invasive means using laparoscopy. Procedures that may be performed include ovariohysterectomy, the surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries, or ovariectomy, when only the ovaries are removed. All of these procedures are performed under general anesthesia. Most veterinarians recommend performing these procedures at approximately six months of age, but they can be performed on dogs of any age. They may be elective, or a treatment for a disease process.
Reasons for early ovariohysterectomy
- Vastly decreased chance for development of mammary (breast) cancer
- 200 times less likely if ovariohysterectomy performed before the first estrus (heat cycle)
- Eliminates chance of developing a pyometra or uterine infection
- Eradicates unwanted estrous behavior and associated bleeding
- Eliminates unwanted pregnancies and risks of dystocia (difficult birth)
Exam, Screening Tests and Imaging
Medical workup for a routine ovariohysterectomy or ovariectomy generally consists of a complete physical examination. Additional tests for older dogs may include a complete blood count, serum chemistry and urinalysis. Abdominal radiographs (x-rays) and possibly ultrasound may be necessary in dogs presenting with pyometra or dystocia.
Navigating the Options
Laparoscopic surgery
Procedures vary, but generally 2-3 small (usually less than 1 inch long) incisions are made in the ventral abdomen for insertion of a laparoscope and instrument ports. The abdomen is distended with carbon dioxide gas and the laparoscope is introduced to visualize the reproductive tract. Instruments are used to grasp and manipulate the reproductive tract through the instrument ports. Blood vessels can then be ligated with clips, suture or a vessel sealing device. Ovariectomy or ovariohysterectomy can be performed using this method. After removal of the reproductive tissue, closure of the portal sites is performed.
The surgical team looks toward the viewing screen while performing a laparoscopic ovariectomy
Open Surgery
The surgical incision is usually made along the ventral abdomen although a flank approach can be used. The length of the incision varies depending on the size of the patient and other factors. The ovaries and/or the uterus are exteriorized and ligatures are tied around blood vessels supplying the portions of the reproductive tract to be removed. Following removal of the ovaries and/or uterus, the incision is closed in layers, including the body wall, subcutaneous tissue and skin.
An exteriorized reproductive tract during open ovariohysterectomy
Selecting a surgical method
Laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy or ovariectomy are associated with less postoperative pain and faster recovery times than traditional open methods. Due to additional equipment and training required to perform laparoscopic procedures, not all clinics will offer these procedures. Find an ACVS Veterinary Surgeon in your area.
Ovariohysterectomy vs. Ovariectomy
Ovariohysterectomy has been the most common “spay” procedure performed in the United States for many years. However, recent literature has shown no long-term difference in outcome between pets receiving ovariectomy or ovariohysterectomy. Based on those findings, the two procedures can be considered essentially equivalent to one another.
Complications Following Ovariohysterectomy or Ovariectomy
Ovariohysterectomy can lead to mild complications such as incisional bruising, swelling and infection. More serious complications such as hemorrhage and urinary obstruction are rare but can be life-threatening. Ovariohysterectomy can be more difficult in larger or obese animals and may be associated with more complications. Urinary incontinence has been reported after surgery and may require lifelong medical treatment.
Aftercare Following Ovariohysterectomy
Aftercare includes house rest, with no running, jumping or rough play for two weeks following surgery. Pain medications are often prescribed for several days following surgery. An Elizabethan collar may be necessary to prevent licking of the surgical wound. Further treatments may be necessary following ovariohysterectomy for treatment of pyometra or other disease.
Prognosis
The prognosis is excellent for routine ovariohysterectomy and ovariectomy. Prognosis is good following ovariohysterectomy for pyometra and dystocia.
Prevention
Early ovariohysterectomy or ovariectomy is preventative for the development of pyometra, dystocia and mammary cancer.
—Jason Syrcle, DVM
Diplomate ACVS
Posted: 6/15/2007
Updated: 10/14/2011 by Dr. Syrcle
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