FAQs

What does the keyhole (laparoscopic) spey involve?

 

The laparoscopic desexing procedure involve inserting 2 ports, about the size of your finger, into the abdomen. Through one port we introduce a camera and through the other port we introduce instruments that allows us to remove the ovaries safely.

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Why don’t you remove the uterus?

 

It is rare that we would need to remove the uterus. In most situations, removing the ovaries is all that is required to prevent the animal from reproducing, coming into season or developing an infection of the uterus (pyometra). Removing the ovaries also reduces the risk of developing breast cancers depending on the breed and the timing of the procedure. In short, in the absence of pathology of the uterus, the ovaries are all that we need to remove. If removal of the uterus is required, this can also be performed laparoscopically however it involves more time and the creation of a third port (wound) which is larger than the standard port size. Hence, additional fees apply for removal of the uterus and it is only recommended when there is pathology of the uterus.

 

What happens on the day of the surgery? 

 

Admissions, discharges and post operative checks are all done with your regular clinic. You will generally be able to pick your pet up on the evening of the procedure. These details will be arranged with your local clinic and will depend on their schedule and the pre-arranged surgical time.

 

What are the risks of the procedure?

 

The procedure is generally very safe but like all surgeries there are some small risks to be aware of. The risks are similar but slightly slightly lower overall, in our experience, than a traditional desexing method. Having said that, it’s important to understand the risks of a surgery before going ahead. There is a very small risk with anaesthesia. The risk of mortality in otherwise healthy animals under anaesthetic is around 1 in 10,000. The risk of a serious bleed requiring us to convert to an open technique during the surgery is less than 1 in a 1000. Some animals regurgitate after surgery and anaesthesia. We will evacuate the oesophagus routinely at the end of the procedure but there is still a small risk of aspiration pneumonia or oesphagitis (inflammation of the oesophagus) on recovery. There are small risks of ovarian remnant syndrome (where some of the ovary remains in the body) and small hernias at the site of the stitches. Finally, the risk of infection is probably around 2-3%. If your pet licks or traumatises the wound then the risk of infection will be higher.

 

What are the costs?

 

Please contact your local clinic for an estimate on the procedure cost. All payments are made directly to your local clinic and not to The Keyhole Vet.

 

Does my animal need to wear something to protect the wound?

 

Yes. Even though there are only 2 stitches (3 if ovariohysterectomy is performed), your pet can traumatise the wounds. We recommend an Elizabethian Collar, Inflatable Collar or body suit.

 

What else do I need to know?

 

The wounds are very small but we do need to shave a lot of fur. This is because 2 small hooks are placed in the side of the abdominal wall, near where the ovaries are located, to hold them in place whilst they are removed inside the abdomen. The area shaved is larger than a traditional desexing method.

 

What are the post operative instructions?

 

For routine lap speys, animals are allowed to do unlimited leash walking starting the day after the procedure. Off leash activity should be kept to a minimum for 14 days. The wound must be kept clean and dry at all times until the sutures are removed and hence, there should not be any swimming or bathing or exposing the wounds to mud or sand in this time. No bruises to the abdomen should occur after the surgery. This means that rough and tumble behaviour with other dogs should be prevented as well as vigorous jumping activities.

 

Can cats be done this way?

 

Yes! The improvement in pain and recovery applies equally to cats!

 

Is there a minimum/maximum weight?

 

The minimum weight is around 2kg and the maximum weight around 60kg. If your pet is outside of these weight ranges then your local clinic may need to speak to the surgeon before confirming a booking.

 

What happens if my animal is in season?

 

For dogs that are in season it is best to delay the procedure until 2 months after their last bleed. During a season, the blood vessels supplying the ovaries are enlarged and hence performing the procedure during this time increases the risk of bleeding during the surgery. For cats, once they start coming into season, it may be impossible to find the ‘right time’ between cycles. The vessels in cats are much smaller and hence we are happy to do lap speys on cats whilst they are in season.

 

Can my animal have an laparoscopic assisted gastropexy done at the same time?

 

Yes. Endoscopic assisted gastropexies can be done at the same time. This will incur an additional fee. NB: this procedure is assisted by placement of a gastroscope but still requires a 5cm incision on the right side of the abdomen.

 

Can male dogs who are cryptorchid be done laparoscopically?

 

Yes. Male dogs who are ‘abdominal cryptorchid’ (have one or both testicles inside their abdomens) can be done laparoscopically as well. Performing the surgery keyhole on male dogs who are cryptorchid offers the same benefits as it does to operating on female dogs this way.