Since 2017 we have been offering the option of “Keyhole” or Laparoscopic Bitch Spays as well as the traditional open surgical technique.

Vets have advocated routine spaying of bitches for years to:
• prevent unwanted pregnancies
• to remove the inconvenience of “seasons” and false pregnancy
• to reduce the risk of mammary tumours

smiling dog at Bicester vets
The new operation involves making 2 small holes instead of one larger one and as a result dogs should be more comfortable with a faster recovery and they can return to exercise within a few days.

Here are the details:

Which bitches can have this new technique?
We are offering this to bitches who are:
* 6kg or more in body weight AND
* 8yrs or younger.

What are the benefits of this procedure to owners and their pets?
* Less painful after the operation
* Smaller wounds to heal
* Quicker recovery from surgery
* Quicker return to normal exercise

What is involved in the procedure?
The operation is done under general anaesthetic, then 2 small holes are made in the midline of the abdomen – for comparison a standard open bitch spay hole might be 4-6cm or sometimes bigger for larger dogs.

The holes allow us to insert:
* Videoscope (camera) – to be able to look around the abdomen
* Instruments to grasp the ovary
* Vessel sealer – which is used to cauterise the ovarian attachments and cut them away.

The ovaries are removed and the tiny wounds are closed with internal dissolving stitches meaning that lampshade “Buster” collars are usually unnecessary.

How do I care for my dog after the procedure?
She will go home the same day and will need to take it easy for a few days. Most bitches will be fine to resume normal leash walks after 3 days. There will be some painkilling medication to take initially and we’ll do a routine recheck after 7 days.

What is the cost of the new procedure?
This is a very modern, highly skilled technique using expensive equipment so naturally the price is higher than a standard bitch spay. There’s good news for dogs on our Healthy Pets Plan as they will receive 10% off the total cost as per usual. Please phone the practice for pricing.

Laparoscopic Bitch Spays – some facts
* Only the ovaries are removed – we are able to do this routinely for standard bitch spays also.
* We don’t offer this for really small dogs (<6kg) due to the size of the instruments we use.
* Not always appropriate for older bitches where the uterus may be diseased already – so we will only offer this technique to bitches 8 yrs and younger.
* Post op care – 2 small wounds with internal stitches and wound glue
– Restricted exercise for 3 days, then normal leash walks can resume (but no running around off leash until after the 7 day nurse check-up)
– No buster collar will be provided as the wounds are so small.

* This procedure may not be appropriate if your bitch is overweight

Give us a call if you’d like to discuss this innovative procedure for your dog.

Hip Hip Hooray for Ava

Hip Hip Hooray for Ava

Ava is now seven months on from her surgery. She is very lively and is behaving like a puppy again!

A Corny Tale

A Corny Tale

Vet Cliff Maw performed a superficial digital flexor tenotomy on Sidney the Whippet