This article about the laparoscopic spay, its benefits as an option for spaying a bitch was a finalist for a Maxwell Medallion Award in the 2017 Writing Competition sponsored by the Dog Writers Association of America. Cori received a Certificate of Nomination for excellence in the category of Article or Blog – Health or General Care.
While the article describes my experience having my dog spayed using the Laparoscopic spay. It also elaborates on the various choices we have when it comes to spaying our female dogs.
Here is an excerpt from my article about laparoscopic spay:
When my veterinarian, Dana Bleifer, owner of Rose City Veterinary Hospital described a less invasive way to spay female dogs and cats, the idea intrigued me. I wanted to observe the procedure so I could share with others what I discovered. Little did I know I would be watching my own dog’s spay procedure or that a complication would arise. At the time I learned about the laparoscopic spay, I imagined receiving permission to view another dog’s operation. This was not the case; I had to wait for my own Saluki, Lexi to be spayed.
Although human laparoscopies have been around for decades, utilizing this technique for dogs is new. Known as the Laparoscopic Ovariectomy, this procedure is minimally invasive and results in reduction of pain as opposed to the traditional spay. There is less tissue trauma and bleeding. All of these factors speed up the dog’s recovery. The procedure typically involves two small incisions into the abdomen. One for inserting the high definition camera, allowing the surgeon to see and the other for the surgical instruments used to detach and remove the ovaries. The latter incision is also used to cauterize the blood vessels and tissues once the organs are removed. During the procedure the surgeon fills the abdomen with carbon dioxide allowing more space to move the instruments around.