Laparoscopic ovariectomy

[Troggy]

Has anyone one had any experiences re.Laparoscopic ovariectomy (keyhole surgery to remove mares ovaries)?
I have only heard about this recently, is it a new method? A few years back when my mare was registered with a different vets, we had her ovaries scanned due to her behaviour and found she had far more follicles on each ovary than she should, but the only option given to me was a full on GA/operation and at 16, we didn't want the risks associated.
We are now with a different vet (equine only) and I am wondering if the above was available years ago and my old vets just weren't aware?
I assume the risks are still there but obviously not on such a large scale?
I think now Toffee is 19 it would be unfair but she is still a mardy witch who is almost constantly in season (Regumate didn't work, her hormone levels are normal)
Just thoughts please

 

[Madam_max]

Have you tried the marble?

 

[Troggy]

No, don't know much about that, will look into, thanks

 

[Madam_max]

My mare has it and it really works, However, I know it doesn't in all cases.

 

[Genesis]

Hi - Quite a specialist procedure using expensive kit. It's becoming more common. Done standing under sedation. There can be complications but much fewer than GA and laparotomy approach. I'd discuss with your Vet, the pros and cons.
Hope that helps a little bit.

 

[star]

i watched it being done when i was seeing practice - that was about 5yrs ago now so it's not particularly new.

 

[Angua2]

My mare had this op in June, it is about a 3 hour procedure done standing under heavy sedation and costs in the region of £2 - 2.5k. The surgeon goes in through the flank and initially does 3 x 1 inch insisions, once everything is in place and they are ready to remove the ovary 2 insisions are joined to make a larger insision and the ovary is removed. It is quite high risk, although lower than a GA, as there is the chance that the intestines can be damaged and the surgeon doesn't realisem as they can slither about aparently. 2 weeks box rest until the sutures are removed and then 4 weeks field rest and then re-introduce work and the jobs a good un!

This procedure has been around for a while, and apparently was frequently done with race horses, however from what I
gather it is not done as often now as it is a last resort.

Just after the op

Stitches

Stitches out

 

[katylee]

my mare had it done and she is a different horse!

 

[Troggy]

Thanks all, really interesting, good to see the photos too! As I said at 19 it wouldn't really be fair on her but I am interested in what they can do for mares like Toffee

Thanks again!

 

[Carsmore]

My mates mare had it done 2 years ago. she found out when she went to stud and although she was showing in season, she wasnt fully in. So the vet scanned her and found that 1 ovary was the size of a rugby ball. The mare was only 4 year old and had been ridden up to going to stud. She is an extremely placid mare and wasnt showing any signs of being in pain. Bless her. she recovered well. it was done standing up and cost about £1500.