Female Laparoscopic Dog/Cat Desex Aftercare
Your pet has undergone a Laparoscopic Ovariectomy (keyhole desex). Prior to the surgical procedure, she received a full examination by her veterinarian and will have had bloodwork done if requested.
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About the procedure
This surgical procedure involves both ovaries being removed under general anaesthetic. Three small incisions are made along the midline of the abdomen to allow ports to be placed. Once the ports are in place, the camera and surgical instruments are inserted through the ports, and the ovaries are surgically removed. This procedure is minimally invasive, and recovery time is generally faster than that of a traditional desexing. This surgery prevents future pregnancies, and reduces the likelihood of hormone related cancers later in life. The incision has been closed with absorbable sutures which are not visible externally. Recovery is generally 7 days; however, this may differ between patients. All surgical procedures include IVFT (intravenous fluid therapy) and pain relief.
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Aftercare
When you collect your pet, they may be quite sleepy following their anaesthetic and procedure. You may offer them a small meal after they have settled in at home. We recommend offering about 1/3 of the size of their usual dinner. Do not be concerned if your pet does not show interest in their food on the first night after their procedure; the main reason they may not be interested in food is possible nausea from the anaesthetic, and/or drowsiness.
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We do recommend keeping your pet quiet over the next 7-10 days to prevent issues with the surgical site, and/or complications with recovery. It is best to avoid her jumping onto high surfaces or being too active during recovery. Dogs should be taken on controlled, short leash walks for the first 7 days/cats should be confined if necessary. The incision sites need to be checked daily and monitored for any abnormal changes (such as redness, swelling or discharge), and also needs to be kept dry so, no baths or swimming for at least 10 days.
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Your pet has been given pain relief before and after their surgery and will also have take-home pain relief, which will be given to you when you collect her in the afternoon. A veterinary nurse will explain how to administer the medication when going through the discharge notes but the dosage instructions are also clearly stated on the label.
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When to contact the clinic:
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The surgical site becomes quite red, swollen or is bleeding (a very small amount of blood is ok).
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Your pet is overly lethargic, vomiting, or reluctant to eat by the following day.
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You feel your pet may be in pain.
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Your pet is licking/chewing at their surgical site.
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If you have any questions about medications.
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If you have any other concerns.
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Take away points
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Please offer a small amount of food (1/3 of their usual meal size) the night of the procedure.
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Do not be concerned if your pet is not interested in food on the first night.
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There are no sutures to be removed.
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Your pet will be prescribed additional pain relief for you to give at home.
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Keep your pet in a warm environment.
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Please keep your pet quiet during her recovery period.
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Check the surgical site daily.
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No baths or swimming for 10 days.