Benefits of a Laparoscopic Spay

If your dog is scheduled to be spayed, you may have more than one surgical option to consider. At Summit Veterinary Care, we now offer laparoscopic spay surgery for dogs weighing 25–50 pounds, giving eligible patients access to a minimally invasive approach.

So, what’s the difference between a laparoscopic spay and a traditional spay?

What Is a Laparoscopic Spay?

A laparoscopic spay uses a small camera and specialized instruments to perform the procedure through small incisions in the abdomen.

At Summit, our laparoscopic spay procedure is an ovariectomy, meaning the ovaries are removed while the uterus is left in place. We’ll cover the difference between an ovariectomy and an ovariohysterectomy in a separate blog, but for now, the important thing to know is that laparoscopic spay surgery uses a minimally invasive approach.

A traditional spay typically requires a larger abdominal incision to access the reproductive organs.

What Are the Benefits of a Laparoscopic Spay?

The biggest difference you’ll notice is the size of the incisions. Laparoscopic surgery uses several small incisions rather than one larger incision.

For appropriately selected dogs, this can offer several potential benefits:

Smaller Incisions

Laparoscopic surgery requires only small openings for the camera and surgical instruments. Smaller incisions can mean less disruption to the abdominal wall and surrounding tissues.

Potentially Less Postoperative Discomfort

Because laparoscopic surgery involves smaller incisions and less tissue manipulation, dogs may experience less postoperative pain and discomfort compared with traditional open surgery.

Of course, every dog is different, and our veterinary team will create an individualized pain management plan for your pet.

A Potentially Easier Recovery

Many pet parents appreciate that minimally invasive surgery can allow their dogs to get back to their normal routines more comfortably.

Your dog will still need to take it easy after surgery, even if she seems ready to run around the house the next day! Following your veterinary team’s activity restrictions is an important part of protecting the surgical sites and allowing your pet to heal properly.

Better Visualization for the Veterinary Team

Laparoscopic surgery uses a small camera that provides a magnified view inside the abdomen. This allows the veterinary team to clearly visualize the surgical area while performing the procedure.

It’s one of the advantages of combining surgical experience with modern technology.

Is a Laparoscopic Spay Right for Every Dog?

No. And that’s okay.

At Summit Veterinary Care, we believe in choosing the surgical approach that is appropriate for each individual patient.

Our laparoscopic spay service is currently available for dogs weighing 25 to 50 pounds. We do not currently perform laparoscopic surgery on dogs under 25 pounds or on cats.

If your dog isn’t a candidate for laparoscopic surgery, a traditional spay remains an effective and commonly performed procedure. Our team will help you understand your options and what you can expect before, during, and after surgery.

Why We Chose to Offer Laparoscopic Spay

At Summit, we’re always looking for thoughtful ways to improve the care we provide to our patients.

Adding laparoscopic surgery to our services is part of that commitment. It’s not about using new technology simply because we can. It’s about offering another option when that technology can provide a meaningful benefit for the right patient.

We also know that surgery can be stressful for both pets and their people. That’s why we focus on more than the procedure itself. From our Fear Free approach to our comfortable hospital environment and clear communication, we want you to feel informed and your dog to feel cared for.

If your dog is between 25 and 50 pounds and you’re considering a spay, ask our team whether a laparoscopic spay may be a good option.

We’re here to help you understand your choices and find the approach that’s right for your dog.