It's Time to Spay My Pet, What Are My Options?

Spaying is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in veterinary medicine, but many pet parents are surprised to learn that there is more than one way to perform a spay.

At Alicia Pet Care Center, our veterinarians may recommend different surgical options depending on your pet’s age, breed, size, anatomy, health history, and individual needs. No matter which technique is chosen, every spay procedure is performed under general anesthesia with monitoring and pain management to help keep your pet safe and comfortable.

What Does “Spay” Actually Mean?

A spay is a surgery performed to sterilize a female dog or cat. The procedure prevents pregnancy, eliminates heat cycles, and significantly reduces the risk of certain reproductive diseases.

What Types of Spay Surgeries are Available?

Here at APCC, we are proud to have the capabilities to perform open ovariectomies, open ovariohysterectomies, and laparoscopic ovariectomies.

So what are the differences between these spay options? Let’s break it down.

Laparoscopic Ovariectomy, a Minimally Invasive Spay

A laparoscopic ovariectomy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that uses specialized equipment and a small camera to remove the ovaries through very small incisions.

During this procedure, the veterinarian uses a camera to view the abdominal organs on a surgical monitor. Specialized instruments are then used to isolate and remove the ovaries. Same as the non-laparoscopic open ovariectomy, the uterus remains in place but becomes hormonally inactive after the ovaries are removed.

Many pet parents are interested in laparoscopic spays because they provide the same overall medical benefits as other spay techniques while also offering advantages related to the minimally invasive surgical approach. These benefits include smaller skin incisions, improved visualization for the surgeon, less tissue trauma, reduced post-operative discomfort, and a potentially faster return to normal comfort levels.

That said, “feeling better faster” does not mean your pet is fully healed faster. Internal healing still takes time, and activity restriction is still required for a proper recovery.

Why Does a Laparoscopic Spay Require Such a Large Shaved Area?

This is a very common question we hear!

Even though the actual incisions for a laparoscopic spay are very small, the surgical field must be widely shaved and sterilized. This gives the surgeon enough sterile space to safely place instruments, reposition equipment if needed, and maintain the highest level of surgical safety.

It also allows the team to be prepared in the rare event that a laparoscopic procedure needs to be converted to an open surgery for your pet’s safety.

The larger shaved area can be surprising, but it is intentional. It helps us keep the procedure as clean, safe, and controlled as possible. The good news is that the fur will grow back normally after surgery.

Open Ovariectomy

An open ovariectomy is a surgical procedure in which both ovaries are removed while the uterus remains in place.

Procedure Overview

• A small incision is made along the midline of the abdomen.

• The ovaries are identified, isolated, and surgically removed.

• The uterus is left in place but becomes hormonally inactive because the ovaries (which produce reproductive hormones) have been removed.

• The abdominal incision is then closed in multiple layers.

  
  

Medical Effects

Removal of the ovaries eliminates the production of reproductive hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. Without these hormones:

• Prevents pregnancy

• Eliminates heat cycles

• Eliminates the possibility of uterine infections such as Pyometra

• Reduces the risk of hormone-related reproductive diseases

  
  

This procedure can be a good option for many pets because it provides effective sterilization with less tissue handling/removal and slightly shorter surgical time than a traditional ovariohysterectomy.

Open Ovariohysterectomy, or Traditional Spay

An ovariohysterectomy is what many people think of as a “traditional spay.” In this procedure, both ovaries and the entire uterus are surgically removed.

Procedure Overview

• A surgical incision is made along the midline of the abdomen.

• Both ovaries and the entire uterus are surgically removed.

• Blood vessels supplying these organs are ligated (tied off).

• The incision is closed in multiple layers.

  
  

Medical Effects

By removing both the ovaries and uterus, this procedure provides the same medical outcomes as an ovariectomy.

This technique has been used in veterinary medicine for many decades and remains a reliable, widely practiced option. A traditional ovariohysterectomy may be especially appropriate if a pet has known or suspected uterine abnormalities, or if the veterinarian determines that removing the uterus is the best option for that patient.

What About Spaying My Pet If They’re In Heat?

A pet that is in heat (estrus) experiences significant hormonal changes that affect the reproductive tract.

During this period:

• Blood vessels supplying the uterus and ovaries become significantly enlarged

• Reproductive tissues become more fragile and swollen

• The organs are more vascular, meaning they contain more blood flow

  
  

Because of these changes, spay surgery performed during heat carries:

• Increased risk of bleeding

• Greater surgical difficulty

• Longer surgical time

• Slightly increased anesthetic risk

  
  

Whenever possible, many veterinarians prefer to schedule spay surgery when a pet is not actively in heat. However, surgery can still be performed safely when needed.

Is Laparoscopic Spay a Good Option During Heat?

In some cases, yes.

If surgery cannot be postponed, a laparoscopic spay may be a favorable option for a pet in heat. One of the biggest concerns operating on a patient during estrus is managing enlarged and fragile blood vessels supplying the reproductive tract. Laparoscopic instruments can help seal and cauterize vessels as they are divided, and the magnified camera view allows the surgeon to see delicate structures more clearly.

This does not remove all risk, but it may help reduce some of the most important concerns associated with operating during heat. If your pet is currently in heat, your veterinarian can help you decide whether surgery should be delayed or whether a laparoscopic approach is appropriate.

Recovery Is Still About Two Weeks

Regardless of which spay technique is used, internal healing takes approximately 14 days.

During this time, strict activity restriction is essential. Even if your pet seems comfortable and energetic a few days after surgery, the internal tissues are still healing.

For two weeks after surgery, pets should avoid running, jumping on furniture, rough play, off-leash exercise, swimming, bathing, and playing with other pets. Dogs may go outside for short leash walks to use the bathroom, but exercise should be limited.

Too much activity too soon can lead to swelling, bleeding, incision problems, suture breakdown, or herniation at the surgical site.

Your pet will be provided with appropriate pain medication following surgery, which may include anti-inflammatory medications and potentially additional analgesic medications depending on the procedure performed.

These medications help ensure your pet remains comfortable while healing.

All patients should wear an Elizabethan collar continuously during the recovery period unless your veterinary team gives different instructions. Even a small amount of licking or chewing can lead to infection, delayed healing, damaged sutures, or other surgical site complications.

Some pets do well with recovery suits, and we do not discourage them when they are used appropriately. However, inflatable or doughnut-style collars are not recommended for abdominal incisions because they do not reliably prevent pets from reaching the surgical site.

The traditional cone remains the most reliable way to prevent licking and chewing.

So, Which Spay Option Is Best?

There is no single best answer for every pet. Traditional spay, open ovariectomy, and laparoscopic ovariectomy can all be appropriate depending on the patient.

The best choice depends on your pet’s body, health, surgical risk factors, and your veterinarian’s recommendation. Our goal is always to choose the safest and most effective approach for your pet while helping you understand what to expect before, during, and after surgery.

If you have questions about spay surgery options or would like to discuss whether laparoscopic spay is right for your pet, call Alicia Pet Care Center at 949-768-1313 or book an appointment online.

Alicia Pet Care Center is located in Mission Viejo, CA, and our team is happy to help you make an informed decision for your pet’s care.

If you'd like to learn more about laparoscopic spays, then check out our youtube video where Dr. Ashbran walks you through a laparoscopic spay here at APCC!