Fredericton Animal Hospital is the only veterinary hospital in New Brunswick offering the option to have your dog or cat’s spay performed laparoscopically. Laparoscopic surgery is also known as minimally invasive surgery.  Surgeries can be performed through much smaller incisions, with virtually no pain, and minimal patient recovery time.

 

Laparoscopic Spays

 

In a laparoscopic spay, sophisticated video cameras and instruments are used to perform surgery through two tiny incisions. The video is displayed on a monitor allowing the veterinarian to see the internal organs in exceptional detail.

 

During a traditional open abdominal spay procedure, an incision of 3 inches is made in the abdomen. The ovarian ligament is stretched and torn from the body wall, causing internal bruising and post-operative pain. Significant tension placed on the ovaries and uterus during removal leads to further pain and discomfort.

 

We prefer to perform spays using laparoscopic techniques. A laparoscopic spay is performed through a half inch long incision, using a laparoscope. The ovarian ligament is not stretched but is gently cauterized using a tool called an endoblade. Studies have shown that dogs spayed using MIS techniques suffer 65% less pain and have a shorter recovery time than from traditional spays.

 

How Does This Benefit My Pet?

 

Reduced risk of Infection: The very small incision means your pet has a reduced risk of being exposed to infections

Greater Precision: The specialized scopes and video systems your doctor uses make it much easier to see what they’re doing, meaning your pet gets a safer, more precise and complete procedure. 
 

Less Pain: MIS patients usually require smaller dosages of anesthesia and post-operative pain control drugs. A study by the American Veterinary Medical Association found that up to 65% less pain was experienced when using MIS for spays. 
 

Faster Recovery Time: Smaller incision sizes and less need for anesthesia drugs mean fewer complications. 

 

Training & Equipment

 

Dr. Ali Crandlemire-Reid trained in minimally invasive surgical techniques during an intensive post-doctoral course at Colorado State University in 2012.

 

Additional Procedures (Endoscopy and Laparoscopy)

 

• Ear examinations (video otoscopy)

• Liver biopsies

• Bladder stone removals

• Cryptorchid neuter

• Intestinal biopsy

• Intestinal foreign body removal

• Gastropexy for large breed dogs

• Pancreas/spleen/kidney biopsies

• Gall bladder culture

• Tumor biopsy and excision