[VictoriaW]

Thanks, Datacan. I agree that sometimes open is better. We have a human on board who had a lousy experience with laparoscopy, so that idea is not a tough sell.

Not sure there are any unbiased surgeons, though, as many (in our area) do not yet offer the less invasive procedure. Those who do charge more & of course think it is better. :

Hence, trolling for a few data points. I am looking for more scientific evidence, too.

 

[VictoriaW]

Just to follow up...I've spent the past 10 days reading veterinary research articles and discussing at length with our (trusted, wonderful) vet. I learned enough to convince me that a laparoscopic ovariectomy is the way to go if performed by the right person.

It turns out that a very experienced surgeon with a specialty in laparoscopy has recently joined the 24 hour animal hospital in the town next to ours. We had a consult yesterday and booked surgery for (GULP!!!!) today. I know that my girl is in excellent hands, but if anyone is inclined to say a quiet prayer for smooth sailing through surgery & recovery, I'd appreciate it!

 

[VictoriaW]

Yep, in an ovariectomy, they take only the ovaries and leave the uterus in place. The ovaries are needed to produce the hormones that put the heat cycle in motion, so...no, she won't bleed anymore. Removing the ovaries also protects against pyometra (dangerous uterine infection). It is a good option unless the uterus has been around the block too much...many heat cycles, litters, etc. They do get a chance to view the uterus when they go in, and if it looks abnormal in any way, it comes out too.

Which leads to the other point...which is that both ovariectomy and ovariohysterectomy can be performed either traditionally/open or laparoscopically/keyhole. Hard to find a vet that is comfortable with taking ovaries only in an open spay in the US, although they apparently do it in Europe all the time.

Hope that helps....

 

[VictoriaW]

I've not seen research that laparoscopy significantly reduces the long term risk of spay incontinence (which is related to lack of hormones). But it hasn't been shown to raise it either...

 

[VictoriaW]

UPDATE!

My baby is home and is doing GREAT. If they had not shaved off so much of her beautiful soft fur, you would not know that she had surgery yesterday. She needs to stay on a short leash & no running for 2 weeks to be on the safe side...but she's been pointing birds & bunnies in my mom's back yard, going up & down stairs easily, etc. So it looks like keeping her quiet enough to make sure that she heals well will be the big challenge!

Obviously it will be days/weeks/months/years before we can say for sure that this procedure was the right call, but 24 hours out I am incredibly happy that we chose it for her. If anyone in Massachusetts is considering a laparoscopic spay, I'd recommend our surgeon in a heartbeat. I feel lucky that she came along (with a boatload of experience) at just the right time for Gracie.

Now...time to figure out a plan for 12 days of serious brain work!

 

[VictoriaW]

Laika,

More than I'll admit? :-[

The way the hospital that does the surgery breaks it down, it looks like laparoscopic surgery costs $364 more than a traditional open spay. Though, the total was "only" $200 above what a spay at our own vet would have cost.

Kinda crazy, but it terms of all the gobs money that I don't have that I spend on this crazy red dog...the expense feels worthwhile.

v.

 

[VictoriaW]

That does help! Especially since in the past 10 days, I've shelled out for a physical, a snap test, a stool check, a vaccine, and an echocardiogram(!) in addition to the surgery.