There comes a time in most pets’ lives when surgery is necessary to prevent or correct health problems that can affect quality of life or longevity. All surgery comes with risks, which can include bleeding, infection, or incision problems. Modern anesthesia and surgery techniques, which include minimally invasive approaches, improve surgical safety and outcomes. The Aloha Veterinary Hospital team is proud to offer minimally invasive abdominal procedures to our canine patients. 

What are the benefits of laparoscopic surgeries in dogs?

Laparoscopic surgery is used in place of traditional abdominal surgeries, which often involve large incisions and bleeding and have a risk for serious complications, such as infection inside the abdominal cavity. A laparoscope is a thin, rigid instrument equipped with a magnifying camera and light source. The surgeon can insert the laparoscope through a small incision and see inside the abdominal cavity in better detail than with a traditional approach, and without any bleeding to obscure their view. 

Through one or two other small incisions, the surgeon is able to insert cutting, grasping, or coagulating instruments and perform an entire surgery through these small ports without causing trauma or removing and replacing the abdominal contents. In addition to an improved surgical view, the advantages of laparoscopic procedures include reductions in:

  • Bleeding
  • Pain
  • Complication rate
  • Healing time
  • Surgery time

If bleeding does occur during a laparoscopic procedure, the surgeon may choose to convert to a traditional open-abdomen surgery to improve visibility and locate and correct the bleeding source.

LOVE spay procedures for female dogs

Laparoscopic ovariectomy (LOVE) spay is the primary minimally invasive procedure we perform. We recommend LOVE spay for most dogs over 15 pounds; those under 15 pounds may be too small for the laparoscopic instruments. During the LOVE spay, we remove only the ovaries and leave the uterus behind, unlike a traditional spay surgery when both are usually removed. This less invasive approach results in less pain and tissue trauma and is equally effective in preventing reproductive issues in the future.

Laparoscopic cryptorchid neuter surgery for male dogs

A neuter surgery is a procedure to remove a male dog’s testicles, which typically are located in the scrotum on the outside of the body. In a cryptorchid male, one or both testicles fail to descend and stay inside the abdomen or the inguinal canal. These retained testicles can still produce hormones and are likely to develop tumors because of their exposure to increased temperatures inside the body. Surgery to remove retained testicles is recommended but often requires an approach similar to spay surgery. Using a laparoscopic approach, we can efficiently locate and remove a testicle inside the abdomen with only a few small incisions.

Laparoscopic liver and spleen biopsies for dogs

The liver and spleen are large organs inside the abdomen. In dogs with suspected liver or splenic disease or tumors, a biopsy usually is required to confirm the diagnosis and determine the next steps for treatment. Although a needle biopsy sample may be obtained using ultrasound to guide the needle into the organ from outside the body, these tiny samples are often insufficient for a definitive diagnosis. Obtaining larger samples usually requires opening the abdomen, which allows the veterinarian to visually examine the organ and decide which sites are best for sampling. A laparoscopic approach allows the same excellent visualization with shorter surgery times and avoids a large incision, which can heal poorly in dogs who already are debilitated from liver or splenic disease.

Laparoscopic gastropexy for large- and giant-breed dogs

Gastropexy is the term for a procedure to tack a large- or giant-breed dog’s stomach to the abdominal wall. This procedure prevents the stomach from filling with air and twisting, a life-threatening condition called gastric dilatation-volvulus. Dogs who benefit from the procedure include Bernese mountain dogs, standard poodles, Labrador retrievers, Doberman pinschers, Great Danes, and other deep-chested breeds. We can perform this procedure laparoscopically at the same time as a spay surgery, or alone in an older dog. 

Minimally invasive procedures are often reserved for specialty and referral veterinary facilities, but the Aloha Veterinary Hospital team has gone above and beyond for our clientele by providing access to these procedures. Our veterinarians have received extensive training in laparoscopic techniques to ensure your furry pal can reap the benefits of advanced surgical procedures. Contact us to learn more about the surgeries offered in our facility and whether your pet qualifies as a minimally invasive surgical candidate.