Laparoscopic spays (also known as keyhole spays) are becoming both more popular and more widely available in veterinary surgeries. This is mainly due to the difference in post-operative pain levels, complication rates and requirement to rest; all of which are reduced with the laparoscopic approach. As this option becomes more available, pet owners may have some questions about the practicalities surrounding the procedure before they make a decision. 

One question we will answer to day is about the timing of a keyhole spay, and how it may differ from a traditional open spay. Read on to find out! 

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What is a keyhole spay?

Spaying is a surgical procedure which involves the removal of your female dog’s reproductive organs.

The traditional spay method involves an incision into the abdomen and the physical removal of the ovaries and uterus by the veterinary surgeon. The size of the wound depends on the size of the dog, her weight and condition, and the preference of the surgeon but is usually around 2-4 inches.

A keyhole, or laparoscopic, spay is performed using a camera and instruments. Three small (½ inch) cuts are made into the abdomen, to allow the camera and equipment to be passed through. The surgeon uses a screen to visualise the inside of the abdomen and manipulates the instruments from outside to remove the ovaries. 

Both keyhole and traditional approaches are performed under general anaesthesia. They also both carry the same advantages: preventing unwanted pregnancies, stopping heat cycles, preventing uterine and ovarian cancers and uterine infections (pyometras). 

Timing the spay procedure

Traditionally, neutering for female dogs was recommended around 6 months of age, either before or after the first season. 

Over the last few years, new evidence has shed some doubt on this long-held view. Some studies have suggested that early neutering in some larger breeds, such as the Golden Retriever, Labrador and German Shepherd, can increase the likelihood of certain cancers and orthopaedic diseases such as hip dysplasia.1 

However, late neutering increases the chance of mammary cancer. And also the risk of certain issues associated with entire female dogs, such as unwanted pregnancy, uterine infections and cancers of the reproductive organs.

The timing of a spay also depends on your dog’s heat cycle. The surgery carries higher risks if performed whilst your dog is in season (oestrus), or the few months following the heat (dioestrus). Spaying is usually therefore performed 3-4 months after a season, when the reproductive organs are in their quietest phase. 

It’s clear that the decision on when to neuter is not entirely straightforward. Your vet should be happy to discuss appropriate timings for your individual pet, based on the latest research and your personal circumstances. 

Is the timing different for keyhole spays?

The timings for keyhole spays are largely the same as for the traditional approach. Dogs need to not be in, or recently in, season, and be an appropriate age for their breed and size to be neutered. 

However, there are a couple of factors which may influence the decision.

Older dogs

A keyhole spay involves the removal of only the ovaries (ovariectomy); unlike the traditional open spay which often is performed as an ovariohysterectomy, removing both the ovaries and the uterus (womb). In older dogs, there may already be some changes to the uterus which warrant its removal, and therefore an open approach may be more suitable. This also applies to dogs with known problems of the womb. 

Weight

Dogs who are very obese pose higher risks during spaying, and are often unsuitable to be spayed via keyhole. If you have an overweight dog and wish for a keyhole spay, your dog may be placed on a weight loss program before the procedure can take place. This may therefore affect the timing of the spay. Weight loss is also preferable for an open spay, but not essential. Whereas the keyhole method requires a healthier body condition to be possible.   

Size

Keyhole spays are difficult to perform in very small dogs – usually under 5-7kg. If you own a small breed and wish to have them neutered early, they may be too small for the keyhole approach and you may have to opt for the traditional open spay, or wait for them to be big enough for the keyhole approach. 

Our dogs are all individuals. Your dog’s age, breed, size, health conditions and even temperament will all affect the decisions around neutering. There are now a range of options for when and how to spay your dog, so speak to your veterinary surgeon about your pup. They can advise on the timings and method that are right for you and your pet. 

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