Laparoscopic spay in Brisbane
Your pet is family and should be treated as such. A laparoscopic spay minimises trauma and discomfort. Red Hill Vet can perform this minimally invasive spay and ensure that your dogs and cats live the life they deserve.
What is a laparoscopic spay?
Laparoscopy, also called bandaid or keyhole surgery, is a modern surgical technique aided by cameras that enable surgeons to access the abdomen or pelvis without the need to make a large incision. When it comes to laparoscopic desexing, small portholes are made to enter the abdomen and only the ovaries are removed – unlike traditional spaying where both the ovaries and uterus are removed.
Less invasive
A laparoscopic spay requires one or two incisions of 0.5-1cm, as opposed to the 6-15cm incision required for traditional spaying. Because it is much more precise, there will be less bruising at the surgical site and less trauma to the organs.
Less pain
Your dog or cat will feel nowhere near the same degree of pain after laparoscopic surgery than they would with traditional spaying. By taking your pet to laparoscopic spaying, you are saving them from unnecessary pain.
Faster recovery time
Because laparoscopic spaying is a minimally invasive surgical technique that only removes the ovaries, your pet will recover much quicker than with traditional spay – typically, they can return to normal activity after 5 days.
Less complications
Each surgery carries some risk, even common ones like spaying. A laparoscopic spay provides surgeons with a much better view of the surgical areas, consequently minimising the chance of complications.
How much does a laparoscopic spay cost?
Laparoscopic desexing costs more than traditional spaying, yes, but specialised equipment is used and you get your money’s worth – less trauma to your pet, faster recovery, and less chance of surgical complications. There’s a reason it’s considered the gold standard of spaying.
At Red Hill Vet, we charge only what is necessary and create a schedule according to your needs in order to minimise the time you’d need to take out of your day to get your pet spayed.
Preparation for a laparoscopic spay
If you have chosen to spay your pet at Red Hill Vet, you should:
- Withdraw food the night before surgery;
- Check your pet for any signs of illness, such as sneezing, coughing, or diarrhoea. If your cat or dog is displaying any of these symptoms, inform our vet before surgery;
- Prepare and bring your vaccination records, if you have them.
The laparoscopic spay procedure
A laparoscopic spay takes a bit longer than a traditional spay, but your cat or dog will not be with us for longer than a day. The procedure includes:
- Making one or two small (0.5-1cm) incisions into the abdomen;
- A small amount of gas is inserted through the first incision to separate the body wall from the internal organs;
- A fiberoptic video telescope is inserted through the same incision to give our surgeons a clear view of the surgical site;
- Precise surgical instruments are inserted through the telescope operating portand the ovaries are removed;
- Sometimes a second incision is made before removing the ovaries, but most desexing is performed with the single port approach.
Laparoscopic spay recovery
A laparoscopic spay is much less invasive than traditional desexing and after the anaesthetic drugs have worn off, most don’t seem to realise they’ve had surgery. Even so it is best that your pet has time to recover. In general, you should minimise your pet’s activities for a day or two after the surgery. During the recovery period:
- Keep your pet indoors, away from other animals;
- Prevent your pet from licking the incisions because it increases the risk of infection. A standard cone will prevent your pet from licking the wound;
- Do not bathe your pet for approximately 10 days after the surgery;
- Monitor the wounds daily for signs of infection. In case you notice swelling or discharge, contact Red Hill Vet immediately for advice on what to do next;
- Monitor your pet’s overall health. If they have diarrhoea, vomit, appetite loss, or seem lethargic, contact Red Hill Vet.
Is laparoscopic spay surgery safe?
All surgical procedures have certain risks. However, a laparoscopic spay is not a major surgery and it is the safest spaying technique currently available.
Does a laparoscopic spay remove the uterus?
No, a laparoscopic spay does not remove the uterus, only the ovaries.
What is the healthiest age to spay a dog?
For small breeds, spaying is typically recommended between 6-9 months of age. For larger breeds, spaying is often recommended between 12-18 months of age. Our veterinarian will advise you on the best options for your dog if you bring them in for a check-up.
What is the healthiest age to spay a cat?
It is typically recommended that kittens should be spayed when they are 5-6 months old. Adult cats can also be spayed. However, the best time for spaying can vary from cat to cat, so our veterinarian will advise you on the best option if you bring your cat in for a check-up.
Give your pets the
care they deserve.
Make an appointment for a laparoscopic spay in Brisbane and help your pets live a long and healthy life. Red Hill Vet Clinic also offers any other veterinary services you may need – from advanced surgical procedures to wellness treatment.
FAQs.
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