Comparison of laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy and ovariohysterectomy in dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate technique, complication rates, postoperative pain scores, and clinical outcomes in dogs after laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy (LOVH) or traditional ovariohysterectomy (OVH).


METHODS
Prospective clinical trial.


METHODS
Thirty-four intact female dogs, weighing 2.4-31 kg.


METHODS
LOVH (16 dogs) was performed by ligation of the uterus and ovaries with surgical wire, and then removal by an assisted laparoscopic technique. OVH was performed in 18 dogs. Subjective and objective pain scores were assigned at 0, 2, 8, and 24 hours. Surgical time, complications, and pain and incision scores were evaluated. Dogs were followed for up to 6 months.


RESULTS
The mean surgical time for LOVH (120 minutes; range, 47-175 minutes) was significantly longer than for OVH (69 minutes; range, 25-140 minutes). Significantly lower pain scores (subjective, in 2 of 10 categories; objective, in 8 of 10 categories) were identified with LOVH at 1 or more time periods. Surgical complications with LOVH were postoperative fever and anorexia (1 dog), minor splenic (3) or pedicle hemorrhage (4), intermittent vaginal hemorrhagic discharge (1), and suture reaction (3). Surgical complications with OVH were hemorrhage from an ovarian pedicle requiring reoperation (1 dog), dehiscence of the abdominal wall (1), and seroma (1). Anesthetic complications included hypotension in 8 OVH dogs and 1 LOVH dog, and hypothermia in 4 OVH and 9 LOVH dogs. The mean incision scores were lower for LOVH at all time periods.


CONCLUSIONS
LOVH was performed successfully in young nonparous dogs >10 kg. Surgical time and complication rates were greater; however, LOVH postoperative pain scores were < or =OVH scores.


CONCLUSIONS
LOVH is a potentially safe surgical alternative to traditional OVH in dogs. Equipment cost and necessity for more than 1 surgeon may limit its usefulness in small animal practice.
Davidson
Ellen B
EB
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA. davidso@okstate.edu
Moll
H David
HD
Payton
Mark E
ME
D000818:Animals; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D010053:Ovary / Q000601:surgery*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000662:veterinary*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000662:veterinary; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors