The new study, partly funded by BSAVA PetSavers and published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice, is the first to compare peri- and post-operative complications, behaviour after surgery, and surgery duration, for the two most common neutering procedures for female dogs; laparoscopic ovariectomy (LAP-OVE) and open ovariohysterectomy (celiotomy) (OVH-CEL). Researchers from the University of Nottingham School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, Guide Dogs and Feldon Veterinary Centre analysed data from 519 bitches neutered by either LAP-OVE or OVH-CEL at four UK veterinary practices.
Fewer bitches developed wound redness or swelling at the surgical site following LAP-OVE (16 percent), compared to those that underwent OVH-CEL (36 percent). Intraoperative complications were reported for 2 percent of dogs neutered by LAP-OVE and 3 percent of those neutered by OVH-CEL. Post-operative complications were reported for 0.5 percent of the LAP-OVE group and 1 percent of the OVH-CEL group.
Unusual behaviours (inappetence, discomfort, licking or chewing) in the post-operative period were less common in dogs neutered by laparoscopic ovariectomy. There was no significant difference in surgical duration between the two techniques.
The findings add to a growing body of evidence suggesting that postoperative complications, including those related to wound healing and those requiring further veterinary intervention, are lower for laparoscopic than open surgeries for bitches neutered by experienced veterinarians.
Lead author, Dr Rachel Moxon, said: “While there is already evidence from other studies relating to complications following neutering surgeries in bitches, this is the first time that the outcomes have been compared between what are anecdotally reported to be the two most frequently performed neutering surgeries for female dogs in the UK. The results will be of interest not only to vets, but for pet owners and others that have to make choices about neutering their dogs. Understanding the surgical risks is an important factor to consider, and decision making is made easier when it can be informed by evidence”.
Read the full study here.
