Laparoscopic Desexing for Dogs in Melbourne
We’re pleased to offer laparoscopic desexing for dogs in Melbourne at Tooronga Veterinary Hospital, providing a modern surgical option for suitable patients.
Often described as “keyhole surgery” or a laparoscopic spey, this technique can offer benefits such as reduced postoperative pain and a smoother recovery compared with conventional desexing.
Our veterinary team will assess your dog and help you understand whether laparoscopic desexing is the right choice for them.
What is laparoscopic desexing?
Laparoscopic desexing is a keyhole surgery technique used to remove a female dog's ovaries through small abdominal incisions.
A small camera and specialised instruments are used to see and access the ovaries directly. This means there is less need to manipulate the surrounding tissues compared with conventional desexing.
The result is smaller incisions and, for suitable dogs, the potential for less pain and a more comfortable recovery.
What are the benefits of keyhole desexing?
Laparoscopic desexing allows the ovaries to be removed with less manipulation of the surrounding tissues than conventional surgery.
Research has found several potential benefits, including:
Reduced postoperative pain. ¹ ²
Reduced physiological stress associated with surgery.
Less need for as much anaesthetic. ³
Reduced risk of surgical site infection.
Better visualisation of the abdominal structures during surgery.
The benefits aren't just about smaller incisions. By accessing the ovaries directly, laparoscopic surgery can reduce the need to pull on and manipulate the tissues around them, which may help improve comfort during recovery.
Want to learn more? Read our blog on ‘Why Laparoscopic Desexing in Dogs Is More Than a Smaller Incision’, to discover more about how the surgical approach may influence your dog's recovery.
Is my dog suitable for laparoscopic desexing?
Laparoscopic desexing will initially be offered to selected patients.
Dogs will generally need to:
Weigh more than 10 kg
Be a healthy body weight and not overweight
Not be pregnant
Not currently be in season (on heat)
Have no evidence of uterine disease or infection, including pyometra
Your dog's age, health, body condition and reproductive status will all be considered before surgery.
If laparoscopic desexing isn't the safest or most appropriate option for your dog, we will explain why and discuss conventional desexing with you.
What happens during laparoscopic desexing?
Before surgery, your dog will receive a veterinary assessment to make sure they are suitable for the procedure and general anaesthesia.
On the day of surgery:
Your dog is placed under general anaesthesia
Laparoscopic desexing is performed under general anaesthesia and they are carefully monitored throughout the procedure.
Small incisions are made
The laparoscope and specialised surgical instruments are introduced through small incisions in the abdomen.
The abdomen is visualised
The camera provides a magnified view of the abdominal structures, allowing the surgeon to clearly identify the ovaries and surrounding tissues.
The ovaries are sealed and removed
Specialised equipment is used to carefully seal the blood vessels and supporting tissues before the ovaries are removed.
The incisions are closed
Once the procedure is complete, the small incisions are carefully closed.
The entire procedure is performed with the aim of minimising unnecessary tissue manipulation while maintaining a high standard of surgical safety.
Recovering from laparoscopic desexing
Most dogs can expect a comfortable recovery following laparoscopic desexing, with small incisions and less tissue manipulation potentially helping to reduce discomfort.
At home, your dog will need:
Pain relief and anti inflammatories (included in the cost of the procedure)
Restricted activity while they recover
Incision care and monitoring
Protection from licking or chewing the surgical sites
Follow-up care as recommended by our veterinary team
Your dog may seem comfortable quickly, but they will still need time to heal. We’ll provide clear discharge instructions specific to your dog.
Are there risks with laparoscopic desexing?
As with any surgical procedure, laparoscopic desexing carries potential risks.
These can include complications associated with general anaesthesia, bleeding, infection and other surgical complications. Although uncommon, complications can occur with any abdominal surgery.
In some circumstances, it may also be necessary to convert from laparoscopic surgery to conventional open surgery if this is considered the safest approach for your dog.
We will discuss the procedure, potential risks and your dog's individual suitability before surgery so that you can make an informed decision.
How much does laparoscopic desexing cost?
The laparoscopic component of the procedure is $750 in addition to our regular desexing fee. The additional cost reflects the specialised equipment, surgical training and expertise required for laparoscopic surgery.
We’ll provide you with a clear estimate of the total cost for your dog following their assessment.
Why is it more expensive?
Laparoscopic surgery requires specialised equipment, ongoing training and additional surgical expertise compared with conventional desexing.
The additional cost reflects these requirements and allows us to offer this advanced surgical option to suitable patients.
Laparoscopic vs conventional desexing
Conventional desexing remains an excellent, safe and well-established procedure and continues to be available at our Melbourne veterinary hospital.
Both laparoscopic and conventional desexing are safe, well-established surgical options for female dogs.
The main differences are:
Laparoscopic: several small incisions, direct access to the ovaries and less manipulation of the surrounding tissues.
Conventional: one larger abdominal incision with more manipulation of the tissues around the ovaries.
Laparoscopic desexing may offer benefits such as less postoperative pain and a more comfortable recovery, but it isn't suitable for every dog.
We will assess your dog's health, size, body condition and individual circumstances and recommend the option that is most appropriate for them.
Why choose Tooronga Veterinary Hospital?
Laparoscopic desexing requires specialised equipment, training and surgical expertise. At Tooronga Veterinary Hospital, this advanced procedure is offered alongside our established veterinary and surgical services.
Our veterinary team takes the time to assess each dog individually, ensuring laparoscopic desexing is recommended only when it is considered an appropriate option.
If conventional desexing is the better choice for your dog, we’ll explain why and help you make an informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is laparoscopic desexing suitable for my dog?
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Laparoscopic desexing isn't suitable for every dog. Our veterinarians will assess your dog's age, size, health and individual circumstances and recommend the most appropriate surgical option.
What age can my dog have laparoscopic desexing?
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Suitability depends on your dog's individual circumstances and breed rather than age alone. We will assess your dog and advise whether laparoscopic desexing is appropriate.
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What if my dog isn't suitable for laparoscopic desexing?
Is laparoscopic spay better than a traditional spay?
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Will my dog need pain relief?
A laparoscopic spay can offer benefits such as less postoperative pain and less tissue manipulation. However, the best option depends on your individual dog. Your veterinarian will discuss both options with you.
Can my dog have laparoscopic desexing while she is in season?
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How many incisions will my dog have?
Generally, dogs need to be out of season before undergoing laparoscopic desexing. Our veterinary team can advise you on the best timing for your dog.
Yes. Laparoscopic surgery may reduce postoperative discomfort, but it is still a surgical procedure. Your dog will receive appropriate pain relief and you'll be given instructions for their recovery at home.
Laparoscopic surgery may reduce postoperative discomfort, but it is still a surgical procedure. Your dog will receive appropriate pain relief and you'll be given instructions for their recovery at home.
That's okay. Conventional desexing is a safe, well-established option. If laparoscopic surgery isn't suitable, your veterinarian will recommend the best alternative for your dog.
A new surgical option for your dog
We're proud to bring laparoscopic keyhole desexing to Tooronga Veterinary Hospital.
For suitable dogs, it offers another approach to desexing that can reduce tissue manipulation and postoperative discomfort while providing the benefits of minimally invasive surgery.
If you're considering desexing your dog in Melbourne, book a consultation with Dr Andrew Nicholls to find out whether laparoscopic desexing is right for them.
References
[1] Hancock RB, Lanz OI, Waldron DR, Duncan RB, Broadstone RV, Hendrix PK. ‘Comparison of postoperative pain after ovariohysterectomy by harmonic scalpel-assisted laparoscopy compared with median celiotomy and ligation in dogs.’ Veterinary Surgery. 2005;34(3):273–282. doi:10.1111/j.1532-950X.2005.00041.x.
[2] Devitt CM, Cox RE, Hailey JJ. ‘Duration, complications, stress, and pain of open ovariohysterectomy versus a simple method of laparoscopic-assisted ovariohysterectomy in dogs.’ Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 2005;227(6):921–927. doi:10.2460/javma.2005.227.921.
[3] Ibid.
[4] Mayhew PD, Freeman L, Kwan T, Brown DC. ‘Comparison of surgical site infection rates in clean and clean-contaminated wounds in dogs and cats after minimally invasive versus open surgery: 179 cases (2007–2008).’ Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 2012;240(2):193–198. doi:10.2460/javma.240.2.193.