With regards to spaying female pets, many veterinarians are faced with a difficult decision – to perform an ovariectomy or an ovariohysterectomy. While both procedures involve the removal of the ovaries, there are two core differences between the surgeries. The ovariectomy leaves the uterus intact, while the ovariohysterectomy removes both the uterus and ovaries. Our veterinary supplies experts share a detailed overview of both procedures and their pros and cons. Read on to learn more about ovariectomies and ovariohysterectomies for pets.
What is an ovariectomy?
An ovariectomy is a surgery that removes only the ovaries from a female pet, leaving the uterus intact. This procedure is typically done on younger animals using a laparoscopic spay tool, and it eliminates their ability to reproduce. It also reduces hormone production, which can help with particular behavioral issues such as aggression or heat cycles in dogs. Ovariectomies do not remove additional tissue, making this procedure less invasive than an ovariohysterectomy. However, there are some risks associated with this procedure. For example, if a tumor develops on the uterus after the surgery, the pet may need to undergo another surgery to remove it.
Ovariectomy Procedure Pros and Cons
- Pro: An ovariectomy is less invasive than an ovariohysterectomy. The ovariectomy exclusively removes the ovaries, leaving the uterus intact.
- Pro: This means that recovery time is typically shorter than with an ovariohysterectomy—the patient usually feels better within a day or two after surgery instead of needing a week or more to recover.
- Pro: Additionally, because it is less invasive, there are fewer risks associated with this type of procedure than with an ovariohysterectomy.
- Con: There is still a risk that the pet will develop uterine cancer later in life due to residual hormones from her remaining uterus.
- Con: Hormones may remain at higher levels due to the removal of one organ. Behavioral issues such as aggression or marking behavior may persist with the remaining uterus.
What is an ovariohysterectomy?
An ovariohysterectomy, also known as a laparoscopic spay, removes the uterus and ovaries from a female animal. This procedure is more invasive, removing both the uterus and the ovaries from a female pet. This procedure eliminates all reproductive capabilities and hormones, making it a permanent solution for pets who do not need to breed or experience heat cycles or other hormone-related behaviors such as aggression. Unlike an ovariectomy, this procedure provides complete sterilization with no reversal recourse. The removal of reproductive tissue presents fewer potential risks than with an ovariectomy, where non-reproductive tissue may be affected due to its proximity to reproductive organs.
Ovariohysterectomy Procedure Pros and Cons
- Pro: An ovariohysterectomy ensures that all reproductive hormones have been removed from the pet’s body. The absence of these hormones significantly reduces her risk of developing hormone-related cancer later in life.
- Pro: The ovariohysterectomy eliminates any behavioral issues related to hormonal imbalances that could be caused by leaving her uterus intact after surgery.
- Con: Since both organs undergo removal during this procedure, recovery time may be slightly longer, but not necessarily so – it depends on the individual pet’s needs and situation.
- Con: The main disadvantage associated with an ovariohysterectomy is the invasive nature of the surgery. Therefore, more risks are associated with it than with an ovariectomy.
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Understanding these pros and cons will help pet owners make the best decision for their pets. Ultimately, both have valuable benefits depending on the pet’s age and desired outcome from the surgery. One of the best ways to ensure procedural success is by being equipped with the correct veterinary supplies. VetOvation supplies veterinary clinics and hospitals with minimally invasive veterinary supplies for their diagnostic and surgical needs. Shop our selection of laparoscopes, laparoscopic equipment, and other veterinary surgical instruments on our website.