Keyhole Spay

[RedRobyn2021]

I've booked my dog in for a keyhole spay, I'm dreading it. She's my first dog and she's almost 3.

When I had my cats done I was the same, it just breaks my heart that she might be scared and not understand why we've left her there. It's not her usual vets but one of their sister practices in a nearby town because no one at her vet does keyhole, it will be a whole new place for her with new faces.

Anyway, the reason for my post was to ask if you have opted for keyhole how did you find the recovery? She's a lab and absolutely loves to run across the fields every day, I don't know how she will handle not being allowed to do this

We are meant to be going on a walking holiday at the end of the month but will need to leave her with my parents as she'll only be 7 days into her recovery. We could move it but its been a nightmare to slot it in between her seasons and phantom pregnancy. Feel a bit unsure about leaving her. What are you experiences?

Also I wanted to get a bodysuit for her so we can avoid the cone of shame, I've just seen one on Amazon do you think that would be ok? Should I get two so I can swap and wash them?

I know this is ridiculous, but I feel terrible doing this to her.

We had similar concerns ahead of our dog's lap spay. She was absolutely fine! Different vet to her usual one as well. Yes, she was a bit miffed to be left but I was upbeat and jolly (as were the lovely vet staff, who of course are very used to all this stuff as well). I don't know if you have DCs but it's like leaving them at the nursery. Don't linger, drop and go, and it's best all round.

Her recovery was great. Such tiny tiny entry wounds. You'd barely see them.

One wound got a little bit infected despite all our care but nothing dramatic. She had some antibiotics and it soon cleared up in a couple more days. They said to not let her go up and down stairs or jump on or off the bed I seem to remember. She was keen To get going before we were meant to let her. They gave us painkillers that worked well.

We just let the vet fit the bodysuit as they seemed best placed to know what size etc. Ours did get mucky and we ordered another from amazon.

Re the tIming of the op would it be that difficult to push it back one week so you can include her on the holiday? Seems a shame but if she's coming into season again then I can see the risk. We didn't want to go through that again...

Our lab x rottie had it done about a year ago. She recovered very quickly with no complications. She had a body suit which worked really well. We got a very light crate so it could be moved to wherever people were in the house and made sure that she had lots of brain stimulation which didn't require too much movement (snuffle mats, frozen Kongs, learning new tricks like 'Chin' and to 'boop' stuff with her nose.

If it's a keyhole spay she should be absolutely fine in a few days. My lurcher (5 years old) was pretty much back to normal after 24 hours, and came for a 6km run with me 48 hours after.

The whole point of the keyhole procedure is that it doesn't come with the usual days/weeks of recovery. I think five days rest is the norm for total recovery, as oppsoed to 14 for a standard spay.

www.rvc.ac.uk/small-animal-vet/general-practice/practice-services/routine-pet-healthcare/neutering-spaying-pet/laparoscopic-neutering

I'd expect her to be fine to come on your walking holiday seven days later tbh, but maybe keep your parents on stand by jsut in case she doesn't seem fully recovered.

We had a surgical suit for ours, but she didn't really bother the wound at all tbh, so she didn't wear it much. It's only one little cut, about an inch long.

You dont need to be worried at all.I had 2 of my girls spayed with keyhole.recovery is as little as 3 days.she will be running around in a weeks time and the little stitches heal in one week.I got the "bodysuit" from vet.all the best for you and your fab girl.

No one is ridiculous for worrying and caring about their dog. For loving them so much you cannot stand to think of them upset in any way.

However, generally dogs cope much better with these things than we, their specific carers, expect they will. Both the strange new vets and the restricted exercise afterwards.

Ahead of it, it feels like such a mountain and such a long time for you both to endure. It will pass quite quickly and before you know it, you and her will be back to muddy walks across open fields - and in plenty of time for the better weather.

I like the surgical suits (also got mine from Amazon) and have never bothered with 2. They wash and dry so easily and quickly I just supervised when they were off being cleaned.

Re the holiday, it wouldn't be something I would do, tbh. (Unless "walking" meant very light walking distaces only with plenty of rest). I would leave her with your parents if that's an okay option for you all?

Thanks so much for your replies everyone really appreciate it

Mine was fine.
I hated leaving here there as she is scared of strangers, but picked up a very groggy dog who was absolutely spaced out and cried all night (disorientated from the anaesthetic...they did warn me!)
Next morning, up and about , eating and drinking and toileting fine
Day 3.. had a nice walk
Day 4, jumped a fence chasing her friend!!! She had two tiny stitches taken out 10 days later.

Any future dogs will be spayed keyhole too..it was so much better!

I am also getting my dog spayed soon via keyhole at a different vet to her usual. And I am having sleepless nights over it. I hope it goes well for you, it is reassuring to read other’s experiences

My dog had keyhole spay-recovery was amazing.

She had a follow up on day two-I told the vet I couldn't stop her jumping and running about and he said she was fine to carry on.

She probably could have gone on a walking holiday to be honest but I guess it depends on her recovery and how much walking. Mine bounced back so quickly I could not believe it!

I got her surgical suit from the vet-I would get 2 on she did a wee on the first one almost immediately so it need to be washed.

And of course we love and care about our dogs but you are doing the right thing!!

Had my 3 year old spayed via keyhole. She was operated on at 9, home by 1 and absolutely fine the next morning. She had painkillers for 5 days and was absolutely bouncing and totally normal.

This is the pic the vet asked for a week after her operation. She didn't even notice the wounds, totally left them alone.

I cried when I left her at the vet and was on tender hooks until the vet called to say she was absolutely fine and growling at people with cups (she likes to finish off a cup of tea if she gets the chance!!)

@Hoppl

I am also getting my dog spayed soon via keyhole at a different vet to her usual. And I am having sleepless nights over it. I hope it goes well for you, it is reassuring to read other’s experiences

You really dont have to worry.your lovely girl will be fine.mine had stitches that disolve and didnt even have to go back to see vet.vet just wanted pic of my girls belly.

Thanks thatido

@Hoppl good luck with your dog too x

Thank you for sharing everyone I am feeling so much better about it all. I will let you know how it goes.

Just came back to say she was spayed yesterday, they asked that we drop her off at 8 even though the surgery was at midday? We couldn't pick her up until 3:30. I don't think they let her out for the toilet that whole time, she was howling when my partner went in to get her and ended up pooping in the reception. They put her in a bodysuit but it had no hole so the poo went all over the suit 🤦🏻‍♀️ She was whining when he brought her out to the car and then I drove her home.

When we got home I kept things quiet and low light. Then she was sick all over my legs :-(

For dinner I cooked her some rice and chicken, after she had this she was much better she is just a bit tender and naturally taking things slower.

Thanks for the update. Glad to hear she is back recovering with you. Doesn’t sound particularly well managed by the vets but i have no experience of what is normal. Hopefully her recovery will be quick from this point.

Glad she is save home with you.the drop off and pick up time is normal.but everything else doesnt sound your vet is to be recommended.anyway,its all done now,she will very soon feel better.the bodysuit should have some press studs to undo before her going for wee and pooh.