The Keyhole Clinic
We offer keyhole procedures for your pets which involves making small incisions and using small ports to operate though. This is a less painful less invasive way of operating with generally quicker recovery times.
Our Lead veterinary surgeon and practice founder Dr Ian Stroud was one of the first veterinary surgeons in London to offer the keyhole laparoscopic spay. Dr Ian has been performing this procedure for over 10 years and most commonly at Pet People we perform Laparoscopic neutering.
What is a Laparoscopic Spay and How does it differ to a normal spay procedure?
A laparoscopic spay is a neutering procedure that involves removing just the ovaries via keyhole surgery using two very small incisions in the abdomen. Specialist equipment is used to cauterise the blood vessels using electrocautery and cause minimal trauma to the inside tissues. It is the preferable option for spaying most female dogs and in general, a laparoscopic spay procedure is much less painful. In a normal spay procedure, the whole uterus is removed as well as the ovaries (Ovariohysterectomy). Furthermore, in keyhole surgery the operation site is much smaller meaning a shorter recovery time and a lower risk of complications. Overall, it is a much more efficient procedure, therefore a safer option for your dog.
About the surgery
Your dog must have food withheld from the night before the procedure but they can have water at all times. This is to reduce the likelihood of vomiting following administration of medication in the hospital. Vomiting after or during an anaesthetic can have very serious consequences so it is alway best to let a vet or nurse know if you are unsure whether they may have had access to food. It is always better to be safe than sorry!
They will be admitted to the hospital in the morning with a Vet or Nurse who will answer any questions you may have and confirm prices. They will have a health check in the morning and then be placed under anaesthetic. They will have a large area of fur clipped from their underside and this area will be cleaned surgically. During the surgery two 'ports' are inserted in to the abdomen that allow us to insert the equipment that is needed to remove the ovaries and the camera itself. Once the two ovaries are removed the two very small incision holes will be sutured back together. Your dog will likely have a small plaster covering these sites when they go home.
Recovery
The recovery is generally very smooth with them feeling much better already 24 hours later and the rest period is approximately 7 days. We recommend reduced exercise and lead walks only during this time until their post-operative check where they will be given the go-ahead that they can return to their normal routine. They will likely go home with either a Medical Pet Shirt or Buster Collar to prevent them from licking their operation site. We will see them back for a free post-operative check in the week following the procedure to ensure they are recovering well.
Other Procedures that can be performed via Keyhole surgery:Gastropexy
Biopsies
Joint arthroscopy
Bladder stone removal
Do I have to be a client of Pet People?
No, you do not. If your usual vets do not perform keyhole surgery, we are more than happy to do this for you. If it’s more convenient, you can also take your pet for a post op check at your usual vets as we do not place sutures that need removing. If you want to enquire about a keyhole spay or any other procedure, use the button below.