A study published in the 2005 Journal of the Veterinary Medical Association concluded laparoscopic spays caused less surgical stress and up to 65% less postoperative pain than a traditional surgical spay.

In a traditional spay a 2” to 3” incision is made in the abdomen through which the ovarian ligament is blindly torn from the abdominal wall. This tearing causes bruising to you pets abdominal wall and postoperative pain. In most cases your pet will be required to stay overnight. The incision takes up to two weeks to heal, with ample opportunity for infection or for her to tear open the stitches.

By performing the procedure laparoscopically (a minimally invasive technique for viewing the internal structures of the abdomen), the procedure is performed through one to three small incisions in the abdomen, 1/8” to ½” in length depending on the size of your pet. A laparoscope (camera) magnifies the internal structures of the abdomen on a monitor, allowing for greater precision and fewer complications. The magnified view of the ovarian ligament allows the doctor to carefully cut and cauterize it rather than blindly tearing it out as in a traditional spay; this eliminates the pain your pet would experience from bruising caused by tearing the ligament. The small incisions are sutured and she will usually be sent home the same day. By spaying your pet laparoscopically she will experience less trauma, heal faster and experience up to 65% less post-operative pain.

In cases of larger breed, deep chested dogs gastropexy can be performed at the time of the laparoscopic spay to prevent life-threatening gastic torsion (bloat).

Veterinary Endoscopy - the care your pet deserves.

Laparoscopic Spays: Because your pet deserves 65% less pain.

Watch a video describing the laparoscopic spay procedure and recovery.

*Viewer Discretion Advised: Video contains images of a veterinary surgical procedure being performed. May not be appropriate for viewers of all ages".

By incorporating the same techniques seen in human medicine the laparoscopic spay allows you to give your pet the same care you’d expect for yourself. It’s a safer, less painful, faster healing alternative to traditional spays. As an outpatient procedure your pet recovers in the comfort of your home, a less stressful alternative for both you and her.