What is a Laparoscope?
A Laparoscope is a thin, tube-like tool with a light and a camera at the end of it. It is used to view the organs in the abdomen and is used with other special tools to perform surgical procedures.
What is Laparoscopic Surgery?
Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique that involves making small incisions using a laparoscope to perform procedures inside the abdomen. At this time, Animal Hospital of Statesville is using our laparoscope to perform Ovariectomies and Gastropexies. In some cases, our veterinarians may recommend it for other procedures such as biopsies. The laparoscope as an option for these surgeries is available at an additional cost due to the specialized equipment and surgical expertise required.
Does My Dog Need to See a Specialist for Laparoscopic Surgery?
At Animal Hospital of Statesville, your pet’s laparoscopic surgery will be performed by one of our veterinary surgeons specially trained in the use of the laparoscope.
How Should I Help my Dog Prepare for an Upcoming Laparoscopic Procedure?
You do not need to do anything prior to your pet’s procedure except to withhold food after 10 pm the night before. Water is fine.
How is My Dog Prepared for a Laparoscopic Procedure?
As with all of our surgeries, your pet will be pre-medicated to reduce any anxiety and calm them. They will be sedated prior to surgery via an IV catheter, intubated and their incision site will be prepared by shaving the area and cleaning the surgery site. Medication is injected in the surgical site to numb the area prior to surgery. Your pet will be brought the surgery suite and hooked up to monitors including a ventilator that will breathe for them. The anesthesia machine will keep them sleeping during the procedure. A monitor will be hooked up to measure the patient’s blood pressure, CO2, oxygen levels and heart rate.
Is Laparoscopic Surgery Safe for My Dog?
Yes, laparoscopic surgery is generally safe. As with all surgeries, risks are present, but are often lower when the laparoscope is used. Your Animal Hospital of Statesville veterinarian will always recommend (and often require) pre-anesthetic blood work and an EKG prior to any surgical procedure under anesthesia. During the procedure your dog will be monitored by a trained technician, whose only job is to monitor your pet’s vital signs.
How Long Does a Dog Laparoscopic Surgery Take?
That depends on the particular procedure and the size of the pet. The bigger the dog, the longer the procedure will take. It’s safe to say that the procedure will take around 1 hour or less.
What are the Benefits of Laparoscopic Surgery as Opposed to Traditional Surgery for My Dog?
Laparoscopic surgeries are minimally invasive procedures that involve making small incisions using the laparoscope, as well as specialized instruments to perform procedures inside the abdomen. Traditional spay surgeries and gastropexies require a much larger incision, which can lead to more pain, longer recovery times, and higher risks of infection. Alternatively, laparoscopic surgery has very small incisions – anywhere from 2-3, depending on the type of procedure, which minimizes trauma to surrounding tissues. This reduces pain, cuts recovery time in almost half, and lowers the risk of infection. Smaller incisions, quicker recovery times and less pain after surgery are the greatest benefits of using the laparoscope during the procedure.
What is a Dog Ovariectomy?
An Ovariectomy is a spay surgery where only the ovaries are removed. A traditional spay is called an ovariohysterectomy, a procedure where both the uterus and the ovaries are removed. This traditional surgical method requires a much larger incision which increases the post-surgical pain and post-surgical recovery time, as opposed to using the laparoscopic option which requires 2 very small incisions and cuts a patient’s recovery time by more than half! The use of the laparoscope also decreases pain and the risk of infection.
Is Laparoscopic Surgery Appropriate for My Dog?
Your veterinarian can advise you as to whether this is a good option for your dog. At this time, dogs need to weigh more than 10 pounds to be a good candidate for this surgical option. (This is updated from 20 pounds in the video – we have new, smaller tools!)
Is the Laparoscopic Option Available for My Cat?
Not at this time.
How Big Does My Dog Need To Be To Utilize the Laparoscopic Option for Spay Surgeries?
The size of our current laparoscopic instruments restrict its use to dogs over 10 pounds.
What is a Dog Gastropexy?
A Gastropexy is a surgical procedure, often done at the same time as an ovariectomy (or a traditional ovariohysterectomy) where the stomach is tacked to the body wall to prevent Gastric Dilitation Volvulus, or bloat. This is a life-threatening situation usually affecting the larger, deep-chested breeds like German Shepherds, Great Danes, etc. The laparoscopic-assisted gastropexy reduces drastically the size of the incision during surgery, which again, decreases recovery time, risk of infection, and post-surgical pain.
When will I Be Able to Take My Dog Home After a Laparoscopic Procedure?
Most dogs will go home the same day, after they’ve recovered from anesthesia, usually after 4 or 5 pm.
Will I be Given Pain Medication and Post-Surgical Instructions for My Dog?
Animal Hospital of Statesville veterinarians believe that your pet benefits from prevention and management of pain. Your pet will be sent home with pain medication to give as directed. They will already have received pre- and post-surgical pain medicine to help stop pain before it can start. You will receive instructions about the care of your pet post-surgery when your pet is reunited with you at discharge. If you observe anything unusual or concerning, never hesitate to contact us at Animal Hospital of Statesville. We are here to serve you and your pet.
In Summary:
Laparoscopic ovariectomies and/or gastropexies are a safe, effective, and less invasive surgical option for dogs, with benefits such as reduced pain, faster recovery, and smaller incisions with minimal scarring. While risks exist, they are generally lower than traditional surgery. Proper pre-surgery preparation and post-operative care will ensure your dog recovers well. Your Animal Hospital of Statesville veterinarian will address any questions or concerns you may have prior to surgery. We’re excited to provide this option to help our patients get back to playing, walking, running and hiking with their families quicker than ever!
Please call our office if you are interested in providing the laparoscopic option for your pet! We’re happy to help!