Laparoscopic ovariectomy provides favourable peri- and postoperative outcomes compared with ovariohysterectomy via celiotomy in bitches
Laparoscopic ovariectomy provides favourable peri- and postoperative outcomes compared with ovariohysterectomy via celiotomy in bitches
Open access
In our edition of: Oct 2025
In our categories of: small animals
our summary:
Moxon, R. et al. (2025) Laparoscopic ovariectomy provides favourable peri- and postoperative outcomes compared with ovariohysterectomy via celiotomy in bitches. Journal of Small Animal Practice
The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to investigate the difference in peri- and postoperative outcomes between bitches neutered via laparoscopic ovariectomy or open ovariohysterectomy (celiotomy).
Retrospective data from clinical records from four veterinary practices (VP) in the UK were obtained for bitches neutered by either laparoscopic ovariectomy (LAP-OVE) (VP1) or ovariohysterectomy by celiotomy (OVH-CEL) (VP1-4). Clinical information regarding the peri- and postoperative periods for these surgeries was collected from the practice clinical records. Data for complications in the perioperative and postoperative periods were compared for LAP-OVE, all OVH-CEL, and OVH-CEL at VP1 (which provided a comparison between procedures at the same practice). Differences in surgery duration were examined
A total of 519 cases were included in the study, 213 LAP-OVE, (VP1) and 306 OVH-CEL, (VP1-4). There was no difference in surgery duration between LAP-OVE surgeries and all OVH-CEL surgeries or VP1 OVH-CEL surgeries. Intraoperative complications were reported for 2.3% of LAP-OVE, 2.9% of all OVH-CEL and 1.7% of VP1 OVH-CEL surgeries. Postoperative complications prior to discharge were reported for 0.5% LAP-OVE and 1% of all OVH-CEL. There were no reported postoperative complications prior to discharge in VP1 OVH-CEL surgeries. There were fewer LAP-OVE than OVH-CEL bitches with redness or swelling of the wound site in the postoperative period.
Postoperative complications requiring veterinary attention were reported for 12.9% LAP-OVE, 16.3% OVH-CEL and 24% of OVH-CEL surgeries performed at VP1. Unusual behaviour post-surgery was reported for 8.6% of LAP-OVE bitches and 32.5% of OVH-CEL bitches, with 14 OVH-CEL patients (5.5%) displaying more than one unusual behaviour compared to one (0.5%) LAP-OVE patient.
Limitations of the study stem from the retrospective nature of the study, as well as the difference in data collection methods, which might have led to underreporting of some complications in the LAP-OVE group, specifically postoperative complications that did not require veterinary attention. The study did not account for variations in surgeon experience which might have led to bias in the results. All LAP-OVEs were undertaken at a single veterinary practice therefore the results may not be generalisable to other settings.
This study provides some evidence that performing a laparoscopic ovariectomy as opposed to an open ovariohysterectomy (celiotomy) might reduce the risk of peri- and postoperative complications in bitches. This information will help veterinary surgeons and owners understand the impacts of different surgical methods on postoperative recovery and to make informed choices when neutering bitches.
The following may also be of interest:
In the Spotlight: Benefits and risks of neutering pets – what is the evidence? Surgical options [RCVS Knowledge] [Online] Available from: https://infocus.rcvsknowledge.org/brnp_benefits-and-risks-of-neutering-pets-what-is-the-evidence-surgical-options/ [Accessed 17 October 2025]
Romagnoli, S. et al. (2024) WSAVA guidelines for the control of reproduction in dogs and cats. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 65, pp. 424-559. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.13724
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