Left-lateral laparotomy using a dorsoventral incision for unilateral ovariohysterectomy in free-ranging African lions (Panthera leo).

Population management of the African lion (Panthera leo) is often necessary in smaller non-contiguous systems. Ovariohysterectomies are commonly performed as a means of surgical birth control in many species by ventral-midline celiotomy, although a lateral laparotomy is used routinely in certain species and clinical settings. Ovariohysterectomies have been carried out in both captive and free-ranging African lion populations for birth control. This paper presents a left-lateral laparotomy (left-flank approach) for ovariohysterectomy in the free-ranging African lion, using the greater trochanter of the femur and the iliac crest as anatomical landmarks in order to determine the correct location for the abdominal incision. Unilateral ovariohysterectomies were successfully performed in three free-ranging lionesses by left-flank approach with no intra- or postoperative complications and rapid recovery. The procedure is swift, safe and provides an alternative to the ventral-midline celiotomy.