The Effect of Laparoscopic Versus Open Ovariectomy on Postsurgical Activity in Small Dogs

Abstract

To describe a technique for laparoscopic ovariectomy (LapOVE) in small dogs, and compare the surgical time, complications, and postoperative activity of dogs undergoing LapOVE to those undergoing conventional traditional open ovariectomy (OOVE). A randomized, controlled clinical trial. Intact small breed (<10 kg) female dogs (n=20). Ventral median celiotomy was performed for OOVE. A 2-midline portal technique using a 3.5 mm laparoscope port and a 6 mm instrument portal was used for LapOVE. An accelerometer was attached to the collar of each dog to record 24-hour preoperative and 48-hour postoperative activity. Total activity counts recorded before surgery were compared with total counts recorded after surgery. The percent change in counts after surgery was compared between OOVE- and LapOVE-treated dogs. No major complications occurred and surgical time for LapOVE was significantly longer than for OOVE cases (P=.005). Dogs in the LapOVE group had a 25% decrease in total activity counts after surgery (95% confidence interval [CI]: 11-38%), whereas dogs in the OOVE group had a 62% decrease in total activity counts after surgery (95% CI: 48-76%). Both procedures were performed with reasonable surgical times and without major complication. Postoperative activity, as measured by accelerometry, was significantly different between the 2 groups. Laparoscopy is a safe method for ovariectomy in small dogs and results in increased postoperative activity counts when compared with an open technique.