Laser Spay or Traditional Spay: Which is Better?

Having your female dog or cat spayed is a responsible and loving thing to do for your pet. And with advancements in veterinary technology, pet owners now have two options, laser spay or traditional spay. Our vets in Mankato offer their best advice about your options.

Laser vs Traditional Spay

Spaying is an important surgical procedure for female pets. Understanding the differences, benefits, and potential drawbacks of laser and traditional spays can help you make an informed decision for your pet’s health and well-being.

Laser Spaying

A laser spaying in cats and dogs is a relatively newer technique in veterinary medicine. This procedure involves using a laser beam to remove the ovaries and uterus of female cats and dogs.

The laser's precision allows for more targeted tissue removal, resulting in less trauma to surrounding areas. Additionally, the heat from the laser helps to cauterize blood vessels, reducing bleeding during surgery.

More benefits of laser spays include:

• Decreased post-operative pain.
• The precision-focused nature of the laser allows for precise incisions, minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.
• Reduced bleeding to the cauterization of blood vessels as the laser beam cuts through the tissues.
• Decreased risk of infection due to the superheating of the tissues at the incision site, which helps to destroy bacteria present at the time of surgery.
• Less swelling at the surgical site.

Some of the drawbacks of laser spays include a:

• Higher cost 
• Availability
• longer procedure time 

Traditional Spaying

Traditional spay has been the standard method for decades. This procedure involves making an incision in the abdominal wall to access and remove the ovaries and uterus manually.

Some benefits of traditional spays include that they are:

• A proven method.
• Readily available at most veterinary hospitals.
• Often costs less than laser spaying.

Some of the drawbacks of traditional spays include a:

• Risk of bleeding
• Longer recovery time
• Potential for more pain

Both laser and traditional spay have advantages and disadvantages. When deciding between the two, it's essential to consider factors such as cost, availability, and your pet’s individual health needs.

Consulting with your veterinarian can help you make an informed decision based on what's best for your furry companion. Whether you opt for the precision of laser spay or the familiarity of traditional spay, the ultimate goal remains the same: ensuring the health and well-being of your beloved pet.

Benefits of Spaying Cats & Dogs

Spaying offers numerous benefits for both pets and their owners. Here are some key advantages of spaying your cats and dogs:

Spaying Cats

Cats that are spayed before their first heat have a reduced risk for malignant mammary tumors later in life.

Spaying also helps to reduce your cat's chances of developing uterine infections and cancers of the reproductive organs.

Spaying can reduce undesirable behaviors in female cats, including increased and overly intense affection, intense rubbing on objects, marking territory with urine, the desire to wander, and heat-induced yowl.

Spaying Dogs

Spaying your dog before her first heat can help her to live a long and healthy life by preventing serious issues such as uterine infections and breast tumors. 

Female dogs who are not spayed typically go into heat every six months, for approximately two to four weeks. While your female dog is in heat, she will excrete a bloody vaginal discharge and may seem edgy, clingy, or jumpy.

Spaying can reduce undesirable behaviors in female dogs, including increased and overly intense affection, breast cancer, and the desire to wander.

Helping Your Pet Recover Comfortably From Spay Surgery

Whether you choose to have your pet laser spayed or traditionally spayed, they will need some time to recover.

Here are some tips for a safe and comfortable recovery:

• Provide your pet with a quiet place indoors and away from other animals.
• Reduce your pet's activity level for about two weeks following surgery, or as long as your veterinarian recommends.
• Prevent your pet from licking the incision site. Licking could cause an infection. Using a veterinary 'cone' or a post-surgical shirt can help to prevent your pet from licking the wound.
• Do not bathe your pet or allow them to swim for at least ten days after surgery.
• Check the incision site daily to monitor healing and watch for early signs of infection.

Whatever type of spay surgery you choose for your pet, remember that the overall benefits of spaying far outweigh the risks involved in this surgery. If you are at all concerned about the risks of spaying your female pet, contact your vet for further information and their recommendations on which type of spaying is right for your pet.

Do we offer laser neutering at River Hills Pet Care Hospital?

We are proud to be one of the few veterinary practices in the Mankato area that offers laser surgery. We want you and your pet to have a comfortable experience with us, and we do everything we can to make that possible. 

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.