In a traditional spay a 5 to 10 cm incision is made through the skin and abdominal wall, through which the ovarian ligament is blindly torn away from the body wall to allow the ovary and the rest of the reproductive tract to be removed. This tearing of the ovarian ligament and traction on the reproductive tract causes bruising to your pets abdominal wall and results in increased risk of intraoperative bleeding and postoperative pain. Furthermore, the longer incision takes up to two weeks to heal, during which time you are required to keep your pets activity restricted, and in most cases, you pet will also be required to wear an e-collar for this entire duration, to prevent her from licking at her incision and chewing out her stitches.

By performing the surgery laparoscopically (a minimally invasive technique for viewing the internal structures of the abdomen), the procedure is performed through two micro-incisions made into the abdomen (0.5 to 1 cm in length). A camera is used to magnify the internal structures of the abdomen on a TV monitor, allowing for greater surgical precision and fewer complications. The magnified view of the ovarian ligament allows the doctor to carefully cut and cauterize it rather than blindly tearing it (as in a traditional spay), thus eliminating the pain your pet would experience from the bruising caused by the tearing of the ligament. The micro-incisions are then sutured closed and your pet will go home the same day. With a laparoscopic spay, your dog will experience less trauma, heal faster, and have up to 65% less post-operative pain!

In cases of larger breed and deep chested dogs (i.e., Great Dane, German Shepherd, Basset Hound, etc.), a gastropexy can be performed at the time of the lap “LOVE” spay to prevent GDV (gastric dilatation and volvulus), a life-threatening twisting of the stomach.

Traditional Spay

• 5 – 10 cm long incision
• Post-operative pain & bruising from blind tearing of the ovarian ligament and traction on the reproductive tract
• 14 day recovery period

Laparascopic (Lap or “LOVE”) Spay

• 2 micro-incision holes
• Reduced pain and risk of bleeding due to precise surgical cuts and minimal tissue handling
• Up to 65% less post-operative pain
• Minimally invasive technique reduces the risk of intraoperative bleeding and post-op infection
• Nearly 5x’s faster recovery

By incorporating the same techniques used in minimally invasive surgeries for humans, the laparoscopic spay or “lap (LOVE) spay” allows you to provide your pet with the same level of care you would expect for yourself. It is a safer, less painful, and results in faster healing times compared to traditional spays.

Clearly, a LOVE Spay is the less stressful and less painful alternative for both you and your pet!

AAHA Accredited Hospital & Fear-Free Certified Professionals

Further supporting the excellent surgical care your pet will receive at the Cardiff Animal Hospital & Wellness Center, you may have full confidence that we are one of the only 12-15% of veterinary hospitals in the US and Canada that have achieved AAHA Accreditation. This means that we have committed to the highest standard of care in veterinary medicine, and adhere to over 900 established standards, thereby passing rigorous routine comprehensive on-site evaluations. We are exceptionally proud of our accreditation, knowing that it represents the elevated quality of care that we provide to your pet. 

Additionally, we have taken the extra step to have our staff go through voluntary training for Fear-Free Certification. This means that we are pride ourselves in being dedicated to caring for your pet’s emotional well-being, as well as their physical well-being, while they are in our care.