Laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy for dogs under 5 kg body weight.

Objective: To describe the surgical method, operative time, safety, and usefulness of 3-port laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy (LOHE) using an ultrasonic coagulation and incision device in dogs <5 kg.

Study design: Retrospective study.

Animals: Female dogs (n = 147).

Methods: Animals were allocated to one of four groups by bodyweight: <2 kg (n = 18), 2-3 kg (n = 37), 3-4 kg (n = 55), and 4-5 kg (n = 37). All surgical procedures were recorded on video. Mean operative time (i.e., time from first skin incision to last suture), clinical variables, hematologic variables, and blood biochemistry were recorded. Intrasurgical and postsurgical complications were recorded, and wound complications, including signs of inflammation or hernia formation were monitored for 3 months.

Results: The mean operative time for all groups was 18 min, with no significant differences between groups. Eight dogs bled from the mesometrium during surgery. Two dogs had hernia formation at a midline port incision; this complication developed by month 3. No complications such as wound dehiscence or infection of the surgical field were observed at the time of suture removal in any of the dogs.

Conclusion: We performed LOHE using an ultrasonic coagulation and incision device in dogs <5 kg, and found it to be a safe procedure with minimal complications.

Clinical significance: We believe that LOHE, using a 3-port and ultrasonic coagulation and incision device, is a safe, useful, and minimally invasive surgical method for sterilization of dogs <5 kg with minimal complications.