There is no denying the importance of spaying and neutering pets but the surgery, particularly spaying, can be an uncomfortable and traumatic experience for pets. An alternative to a traditional spay is now available in the form of a laparoscopy.
Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive technique for viewing the internal structures of the abdomen. A laparoscope (camera) inserted through a small incision in the abdomen magnifies internal structures of the abdomen on a television monitor for thorough examination. Additional small incisions are made to facilitate the use of surgical instruments. The most common application of laparoscopy is biopsy. In recent years, the procedure has been adopted as a less traumatic and less painful alternative to traditional spays.
In traditional spays a two to three inch incision is made in the abdomen through which the ovarian ligament is torn from the abdominal wall. This tearing may cause bruising to the abdominal wall and postoperative pain. Laparoscopic spays, on the other hand, are performed through two or three small incisions in the abdomen, typically 3/16” in size, depending on the size of the animal. The procedure can be performed with magnified views of the organs allowing for greater precision using the laparoscope and the ovarian ligament is carefully cut and cauterized rather than torn. This allows for reduced pain, minimal recovery time and less trauma for the pet.
Source: Dr. Michel Selmer of Advanced Animal Care is located at 260 Evergreen Avenue in Huntington Station. For more info or to schedule a consultation (available by phone), call 631-FOR-PETS or visit AdvancedCareForPets.com.
