More Than One Way to Perform a Spay
Changing Perspectives on Spay Neuter Recommendations for Dogs: Part III
Spaying is the surgery to sterilize female dogs. And, just as there’s more than one way to catch a fish, there’s more than one way to perform a spay.
First, my usual Spay Neuter Month disclaimer:
When considering if and when to neuter a dog, the number one priority must always be the prevention of unintentional litters.
Ovariohysterectomy (OVH)
This is the most popular spay surgery in the United States. Both ovaries (ovario) and the uterus (hyster) are surgically removed.
Ovariectomy (OVE)
In European countries, OVE (removal of just the ovaries) is the most common spay surgery. A study comparing OVH to OVE surgery documented that OVE resulted in less tissue trauma, shorter anesthesia and surgery time, and less postoperative pain.
Leaving the uterus behind poses no significant risks. The incidence of uterine cancer is very low. Pyometra, a life-threatening condition caused by pus accumulation in the uterus, only occurs when under the influence of ovarian hormones.
So why aren’t we doing more OVE surgery in the United States? Great question! I think it’s simply one of those “habits die hard” situations.
Ovary-sparing spay (OSS, hysterectomy)
My last blog focused on canine vasectomy, a sterilization technique in which the testicles are not removed. The corollary in female dogs is called ovary-sparing spay surgery (OSS) in which only the uterus is removed and the ovaries remain. The result is sterilization with normal ovarian hormone production.
Reasons people might opt for OSS surgery include:
They want a sterilized dog, but without potential breed-specific negative impacts of removing reproductive hormones.
They want their dog to achieve “normal” or “breed typical” stature and conformation. Conventional spaying, particularly at a young age, can create a physical appearance that is altered from the breed standard.
Following OSS surgery, dogs can’t conceive but will have all the physical and behavioral manifestations associated with heat cycles. They will also be more prone to mammary cancer. (Removal of the ovaries, particularly before the dog’s first heat is protective against breast cancer.)
The surgeon performing OSS surgery must be careful to not leave so much as a remnant of the uterus. Otherwise, a “stump pyometra” (pus accumulation with the uterine remnant) might occur.
Laparoscopic spay surgery
Rather than through an incision in the belly wall, laparoscopic spay removes the uterus and/or ovaries via telescope-like devices inserted into the abdomen. If interested in laparoscopic surgery for your dog, you might want to reach out to a veterinary surgical specialist. Care to see for yourself what laparoscopic surgery looks like? If so, here’s a great video to watch.
Who knew there were so many ways to spay? Which procedure would you choose for your dog?
Best wishes to you and your four-legged family members for abundant good health,
Dr. Nancy
This is great information, the hard part is finding a veterinarian who has experience doing the surgery.
So with both ovaries remaining I assume the dog would have a type of heat cycle and also assuming that still attracts a male I wonder what becomes of the female since there is no uterus/vagina.