VSR 421: Regional Veterinary Surgery (2+1)

OVARIOHYSTERECTOMY IN DOGS AND CATS

• Ovariohysterectomy, is the surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries under general anesthesia. This procedure is typically performed around or prior to six months, but can be performed on dogs of any age.
• The procedure may be elective, or a treatment for a disease process.

Reasons for performing the surgery

• Vastly decreased chance for development of mammary cancer
• 200 times less likely if ovariohysterectomy performed before the first estrus
• Eliminates chance of developing a pyometra or uterine infection
• Eradicates unwanted estrous behavior and associated bleeding
• Eliminates unwanted pregnancies and risks of dystocia (difficult birth)

Anaesthesia

• Premedicate with atropine , followed 10 minutes by xylazine @1 mg/kg body weight. Induce the anaesthesia with ketamine @ 10 mg/kg body weight and diazepam 0.3 mg/kg body weight.
• Maintain anaesthesia with same ketamine and diazepam or propofol @ 3-5 mg/kg body weight.

Preparation of the animal

• Position the animal in dorsal recumbency or left lateral recumbency.
• Prepare the area aseptically.

Procedure

• The surgical incision is usually made along the ventral abdomen, but flank approaches have been reported.
• Separate the subcutaneous tissues and facia. Incised linea alba. The ovary is identified and surgical clamps are applied to the ovarian blood vessels.
• The vessels are then ligated (tied with sutures) to prevent bleeding and the pedicle is replaced into the body. This procedure is repeated for the other side.
• The uterus and its blood vessels are ligated just above the cervix.

Uterine stump lig	Holding the uterus

•  The uterus and ovaries are removed from the abdomen. The abdomen is sutured closed in three layers: the abdominal wall, the subcutaneous tissue (tissue underneath the skin) and the skin itself.

Complications

• Ovariohysterectomy can lead to mild complications such as incisional bruising, swelling and infection. More serious complications such as hemorrhage and urinary obstruction are rare but can be life-threatening.
• Ovariohysterectomy can be more difficult in larger or obese animals and may be associated with more complications.

Postoperative care

• After care includes house rest, with no running, jumping or rough play for two weeks following surgery. Pain medications are often prescribed for several days following surgery.
• An Elizabethan collar may be necessary to prevent licking of the surgical wound. Further treatments may be necessary following ovariohysterectomy for treatment of pyometra or other disease.

Prognosis

• The prognosis is excellent for routine ovariohysterectomy. Prognosis is good following ovariohysterectomy for pyometra and dystocia.