Spaying; Traditional V laproscopic

[StillMedusa]

Thinking ahead here as my girl won't be spayed until she's about 18m , but I am wondering if anyone has experience of laproscopic spaying.
From what I understand, they just remove the ovaries through keyhole, leave the womb, but the risk of pyometra is still removed as the hormones have gone.
I like the idea of small incisions and a much shorter recovery IF it is 'good' as traditional spay, but wondered if anyone hs gone down that route?

[VetOnCall]

I am trained to perform laparoscopic spays and carry out quite a few every week. I highly recommend them.

A traditional spay generally entails removal of the ovaries and uterus (ovario-hysterectomy) while a keyhole spay removes just the ovaries (ovariectomy). There is no evidence that laparoscopic spaying carries any greater risk of incontinence or pyometra, but it absolutely is less invasive and means less time under GA, less pain, less abdominal trauma and a much faster healing time. I spayed both of my own bitches and my parents' girl laparoscopically.

I still carry out conventional spays but in my opinion keyhole is the better option and would always opt for it for my own dogs.

[StillMedusa]

Thank you for your reply :) Having had a full hysterectomy myself and knowing how painful it was afterwards (I know dogs are a bit different but I suspect not that much!) I'd far rather her have the less invasive option especially as she is a very active dog and keeping her quiet for a longer time would be tricky.
I don't think my own vet does them (yet) but I am definitely going to find one that does ..!

[VetOnCall]

Yes you might have to look around and travel a bit to find a practice that offers them. The equipment and training is expensive so it does equate to a big investment. The cost is usually approximately double that of a conventional spay, but again, personally I think it's worth it.

If you're anywhere near the Midlands, Willows are very good (I don't work there, I'm in Canada now, but they are excellent!)
www.willows.uk.net/specialist-services/pet-health-information/soft-tissue/laparoscopic-ovariectomy-keyhole-spay

[CMOTDibbler]

One of my foster puppies was done laprascopically (a local vets did her for free while they were building up their numbers, which was much appreciated by the rescue). It was amazing - dropped her off at 12, called at 4.30 because she was bouncing off the cage walls, and you would never have known apart from the teeny incisions. It didn't phase her in the least, and she wasn't even as sad that day as the boys when they've been castrated.