Before the surgery
We think it is important that you understand the procedure that your beloved pet is undergoing, why we're doing it and what to expect afterwards. Hopefully this website has answered most of your questions but if in doubt you should always ask a vet.
It is advisable for dogs undergoing any kind of surgery to have been treated recently for lungworm (Angiostrongylus Vasorum) as this infection can cause clotting problems. There are a variety of prescription medicines licensed for this use and it should be listed on the datasheet.
The night before the operation dogs should be starved from 10pm, there is no need to withhold water.
During the surgery
It's our job to worry about this bit! Dogs will be admitted to the hospital in the morning of the procedure. They are given drugs that make them drowsy before being induced with an injectable anaesthetic. Animals are monitored closely during anaesthesia, we measure things like blood pressure, expired carbon dioxide, oxygen saturation, heart and respiratory rate.
Dogs will have a large shaved area approximately following their rib cage. The whole area is prepped for surgery before pets are moved to a dedicated sterile operating theatre.
Surgery begins by introducing a veress needle and gently pumping medical carbon dioxide into the abdominal cavity. Once inflated two ports are pushed through the skin these facilitate the introduction of a camera (laparoscope) and instruments. The ovaries are identified, the blood vessels supplying them sealed by electrocautery and the attachments subsequently disected. The ovaries are removed through the same holes that carry the ports. The skin and abdominal wall are closed with a single stitch or tissue glue. The patient is returned to the ward to recover and will have their endotracheal tube removed once sufficiently awake.
After the surgery
Dogs will go home later that same day. They will probably be a bit tired so don't be surprised if they sleep it off. Many dogs leave in much the same mood as they arrived! You will not need any more drugs, you will not need a cone unless specifically indicated. Your dog must stay on the lead for two days after the surgery. At this point we would like to see them again, either at the practice or via an email appointment. If all is well they are then free to resume their normal lives!
