Veterinarians recommend spaying and neutering dogs and cats because these sterilization procedures can eliminate the risk of serious reproductive health issues, including cancer and life-threatening infections. Traditional spay surgery involves a relatively long incision and an open-abdomen surgical approach in which the ovaries and uterus are removed. In recent years, minimally invasive spay options have become more popular and more accessible to clients, including right here at Aloha Veterinary Hospital. 

In addition to reproductive disorders, large- and giant-breed dogs are at risk for a stomach-twisting condition called gastric dilatation-volvulus. With our equipment and expertise, we can perform preventive stomach tacking at the same time as laparoscopic spay surgery. Our team shares the advantages of the laparoscopic approach and which breeds can benefit from the combined procedure.

Spay procedures for dogs

Spaying a female pet traditionally involves removing her ovaries and uterus, which leaves her unable to reproduce and removes her main source of reproductive hormones. Reducing estrogen and progesterone levels nearly eliminates the chances she will develop mammary cancer or a severe uterine infection called pyometra. This traditional spay procedure is called an ovariohysterectomy (OVH) and is performed through a large abdominal incision.

An alternative to the traditional spay procedure is called an ovariectomy (OVE), in which only the ovaries are removed. The procedure is as effective as an OVH but comes with fewer risks, such as excessive bleeding or postoperative pain. OVE can be performed through a traditional incision but is most beneficial when performed using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques. 

The laparoscopic ovariectomy (LOVE) spay surgery is performed using one to three tiny incisions through which instruments are inserted into the abdomen. The surgeon uses one incision to introduce a magnifying camera and light source and the others to insert cutting, coagulating, suturing, or grasping instruments.

Gastropexy for dogs

Gastropexy is the term for a surgical procedure in which part of the stomach is sutured to the abdominal wall, preventing a condition called gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) in which the stomach fills with air and twists on itself. GDV is common in large- and giant-breed dogs with deep chests, although the exact causes have not been completely determined. With emergency decompression and stomach tacking surgery, around 85% of dogs recover from GDV. If gastropexy is not performed, many affected dogs will relapse in the future. 

Rather than waiting for GDV to occur and potentially risking their pet’s life, many owners of at-risk dogs choose to have the gastropexy procedure performed at the time of their pet’s spay or neuter procedure. For female dogs, our veterinary team can combine the LOVE spay procedure with a laparoscopic gastropexy, reducing overall surgical risks and encouraging a speedy recovery.

Breeds at high risk for GDV that may benefit from preventive gastropexy include:

  • Bernese mountain dog
  • German shepherd
  • Great Dane
  • Standard poodle
  • Doberman pinscher
  • Saint Bernard
  • Irish wolfhound
  • Labrador retriever
  • Weimaraner

Advantages of laparoscopic surgeries for dogs

The laparoscopic approach to surgery provides many benefits for dogs undergoing spay and gastropexy procedures. One major advantage is the avoidance of open-abdomen surgery that requires a long, midline abdominal incision. If the incision becomes infected or the pet reacts negatively to the suture material, the abdominal contents can be exposed. With LOVE spay and other laparoscopic procedures, the incisions are small and the risks associated with incision complications are minimal.

Other benefits include:

  • Reduced pain — One study showed dogs experienced 65% less pain after LOVE spay compared to traditional OVH. The laparoscopic approach allows for gentle tissue handling and less manipulation of internal organs, reducing discomfort and pain.
  • Reduced bleeding — Less bleeding during surgery gives the surgeon a better view and reduces the risk of postoperative bleeding and bruising.
  • Faster recovery — Smaller incisions heal faster, reducing the time a pet’s activities must be restricted. 

The best time to schedule your large- or giant-breed dog’s LOVE spay and gastropexy combination procedure depends on their expected adult size. For larger dogs, we typically recommend waiting longer to allow for complete skeletal maturation before removing the influence of reproductive hormones on the body. For more information about minimally invasive surgery or to determine which procedures are best for your pet, schedule a visit with our Aloha Veterinary Hospital team.