Has anyone used this method for their bitch ? Is it recommended against normal procedure? My vets dont do it so I would have to use another, would I need a referral ? Thanks
Keyhole spaying
- Thread starter Penny Less
- Start date
twiggy2
Well-Known Member
I have seen it done both ways, the vets I have spoken to who have done both ways differ in their preference.
They all agree on older bitches or those with seasons that are irratic that theconventional way is best, they get to check everything is normal and can have a look inside.
Some prefer keyhole for routine spay with nohing unusual happening with the bitch.
However recovery seems to divide them, some say that owners are better with post op care after normal surgery as they can see a wound and that some owners do not appreciate the recovery period for key hole is the same. The muscles have been breached with key hole surgery the same as routine surgery and whilst the wound is shorter it is still the same depth and takes as long to heal so no jumping or running till given the all clear.
Personally I would go for routine spey as I would like the vets to have a peek to check things are normal whilst the dog is under GA and in the table.
They all agree on older bitches or those with seasons that are irratic that theconventional way is best, they get to check everything is normal and can have a look inside.
Some prefer keyhole for routine spay with nohing unusual happening with the bitch.
However recovery seems to divide them, some say that owners are better with post op care after normal surgery as they can see a wound and that some owners do not appreciate the recovery period for key hole is the same. The muscles have been breached with key hole surgery the same as routine surgery and whilst the wound is shorter it is still the same depth and takes as long to heal so no jumping or running till given the all clear.
Personally I would go for routine spey as I would like the vets to have a peek to check things are normal whilst the dog is under GA and in the table.
Thanks Twiggy2
tda
Well-Known Member
Interesting, as I had been considering asking for keyhole surgery on my 11 yr old terrier bitch
rara007
Well-Known Member
I can only do ‘traditional’ spaying- my sisters collie we got done keyhole thanks to my first boss. Make of that what you want 
Ps. Shouldn’t need to be referred, it’s getting pretty common place to have the equipment and staff trained so a bit of shopping around should find somewhere
You do still see a similar amount of the abdomen to a routine ‘open’ spay but obviously leave the uterus behind. Recovery rate and pain seem much better from keyhole and if anything for the fatter and bigger dogs keyhole gives better visibility so less complications. I’m sure there’s an actual study on it but this is all just opinion and person experience!
Ps. Shouldn’t need to be referred, it’s getting pretty common place to have the equipment and staff trained so a bit of shopping around should find somewhere
You do still see a similar amount of the abdomen to a routine ‘open’ spay but obviously leave the uterus behind. Recovery rate and pain seem much better from keyhole and if anything for the fatter and bigger dogs keyhole gives better visibility so less complications. I’m sure there’s an actual study on it but this is all just opinion and person experience!
kathantoinette
Well-Known Member
We had our cocker done keyhole. Certainly a lot quicker recovery time. A lot more expensive but I’d certainly use this method again.
PapaverFollis
Well-Known Member
Rara, when you say "leave the uterus behind" does that mean literally, that just the ovaries are removed? Does that not still leave the risk of pyometra? The bitch I had growing up got pyometra and if I got another bitch it would be my main reason for speying... unlikely as I prefer boy dogs now but interested to know the answer anyway.
Clodagh
Playing chess with pigeons
Apart from a few days difference recovery time, what is the point?
Pen was done 'traditionally' on Friday and is almost back to normal, albeit we are keeping her quiet.
She is young and skinny so I would expect her to bounce back but if, as Twiggy says, recovery time is the same and it is much more expensive, why do people do it?
Pen was done 'traditionally' on Friday and is almost back to normal, albeit we are keeping her quiet.
She is young and skinny so I would expect her to bounce back but if, as Twiggy says, recovery time is the same and it is much more expensive, why do people do it?
rara007
Well-Known Member
Pyometra is horminally derived so the risk is pretty much 0 without the ovaries. In theory there is no risk but never say never! It’s quite normal in Europe to leave it even with ‘open’ spaying so that part of it is well documented. The recovery time for keyhole procedures is quicker, less need for buster collars/surgical vests, less risk of being one of those that doesn’t bounce straight back, can get back to training and competing quicker.
This video shows it in action:
http://livemobile.web-vet.mobi/site...tml&utm_referrer=https://www.google.com/#2860
At most places it’s about 25% more than a ‘normal’ spay so not masses but actually that vets above have it at normal price!
This video shows it in action:
http://livemobile.web-vet.mobi/site...tml&utm_referrer=https://www.google.com/#2860
At most places it’s about 25% more than a ‘normal’ spay so not masses but actually that vets above have it at normal price!
PapaverFollis
Well-Known Member
Thanks for that. I thought it would be something like that.🙂
Im wavering now as to which way to go !
Oenoke
Well-Known Member
I've had 2 bitches spayed the conventional way and the last 2 bitches spayed by keyhole (lap spay), I will have all my future bitches done keyhole (unless their is a problem and they need to be opened up), the recovery is a lot quicker.