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Hysterectomy in Dogs
Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 02/28/2017Updated: 01/21/2022
Veterinary reviewed by Michele K.
What is Hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy, or “ovary-sparing spay”, is a procedure in which a dog's entire uterus is removed, but the ovaries are left intact. This surgery contrasts from the traditional spay, or ovariohysterectomy, with which both the uterus and the ovaries are removed. A hysterectomy may be performed in large or giant dog breeds, as recent studies have shown possible benefits to these breeds keeping their hormone balances. The ovaries are a key part of hormone regulation in the body. By retaining them in the body, the risk of developing certain diseases can be significantly reduced. This can lead to a longer life for the dog.
Hysterectomy Procedure in Dogs
Like with a regular spay, the dog will first have to have its blood work run to ensure that it is a good surgical candidate and that it will be able to handle general anesthesia. If the dog is deemed suitable, the surgery will be booked. A larger incision will be made than with a traditional spay, so that the uterus can be fully visualized throughout the operation.
It is pulled to the surface so that the entire uterus can be tied off and removed right at the cervix, generally between the ovaries and the uterine horn. It is paramount that the whole of the uterus is removed to prevent stump pyometra from developing. The procedure may take slightly more time than a full spay due to the fact that it is not performed as often and the incision will take longer to close, as it is bigger. Either sutures or staples may be used to the surgical incision.
Efficacy of Hysterectomy in Dogs
A hysterectomy is completely effective at rendering the dog incapable of breeding. If performed correctly, there should be minimal risk of stump pyometra. The dog will still go into heat, and mild discharge or blood may be seen. This procedure is permanent and will only need to be done once. The chances of resulting health issues are low, with the dog being at lower risk of developing many cancers and diseases than with an ovariohysterectomy.
Hysterectomy Recovery in Dogs
The recovery for a hysterectomy is very similar to that of a traditional spay. The veterinarian will prescribe painkillers and all activity should be reduced for several weeks while the animal heals. Putting an Elizabethan collar on the dog will keep it from licking or biting at its incision. Food should be slowly introduced within the first two days after surgery. If the dog begins to vomit, report this to your veterinarian. Monitor the incision site for any signs of infection. Any breathing difficulties should also be made known to the vet.
Cost of Hysterectomy in Dogs
An ovary-sparing spay tends to cost significantly more than a standard spay. Prices may range from $750 to $5,000 depending on the size of the dog and the veterinarian you see. Not all vets offer this surgery, so finding one near you may be a challenge. The procedure might be gaining popularity, so more and more locations should be adopting the technique. Because it is often done in giant breeds, it can be paired with a gastropexy (tacking of the stomach) to prevent gastric dilation-volvulus (GDV). The cost may not be much more to have both procedures complete, as they may be done through the same incision.
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Dog Hysterectomy Considerations
As with any surgery, complications may arise from the use of general anesthesia. If any of the uterus remains after surgery, the dog may be susceptible to stump pyometra, which can be life-threatening. Leaving the ovaries in the dog may contribute to the growth in mammary tumors. As the dog ages, she will be more at risk for this problem. Adopting an annual mammary gland ultrasound into your vet care routine may help identify these tumors in their early stages.
Hysterectomy Prevention in Dogs
Hysterectomy is an elective surgery that is performed to prevent the onset of many adverse health issues such as bone cancer and joint problems. In addition to the prevention of pregnancy and serious health conditions, it can also lessen the likelihood of the dog becoming obese or being incontinent. Intact females will remain at risk of developing pyometra, which is often difficult to diagnose until it's too late, and will also experience a full heat if no spay is performed.
Hysterectomy Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
English Bulldog
Fion
3 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Bleeding
my pet was in heat and stopped for about 5 days then started bleeding again, we thought it was her heat cycle but was bleeding about 5 days when we decided this wasn't normal, took her to dr and they say her uterus is infected and want to do a hysterectomy but say it will bee 4500-5000 does that sound right ?
March 20, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. Intact female dogs are at risk for uterine infections, and when they happen, they can change a routine spay into a life threatening, critical condition and a complicated surgery. Bulldogs are particularly high risk for surgery and sepsis, and can be very complicated. Costs of surgery can vary depending on your location, but it can be an expensive surgery, for good reason. I hope that she is okay.
March 20, 2018
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Standard Poodle
Lucy
14 Months
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
We Have A Healthy Female Standard
I have a female parti standard poodle who has had one heat cycle. She is 14 months old. What is safest procedure for her. She is 55 lbs and large chested. Our current vet is recommending total hysterectomy with removal of ovaries and tacking stomach. I am not sure if this is best procedure
March 13, 2018
2 Recommendations
The plan laid out by your Veterinarian is a good plan, total ovariohysterectomy and gastropexy (tacking the stomach); in doing this you are preventing pyometra, ovarian tumours, mammary tumours, other issues with the reproductive tract as well as taking a preventative approach to gastric dilatation and volvulus. In doing both procedures in one surgery you are taking a good preventative measure against common issues which may arise. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
March 13, 2018
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Shitzu
Tessy
2 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Shaking
My dog That’s shitzu got her hysterectomy predure done she hasn’t been eatting keep in mind it’s twk days after surgery. I try to give her treats so she can at least work up an appetite and nothing is helping. I try serving the food to her mouth, still nothing. I also noticed that from her mid belly to her back lea are also shaking, the shake comes when she laying down or sitting down, she not cold what’s so ever. I try to wrap her in warm blanket. Is the shake normal? Should I be concern? Is there any medication you think the vet can give me to work up her appetite since she hasn’t two days before her surgery and currently now. Overall about four days.
Ps. Before admitting her in to surgery she had a fever of 104.
March 3, 2018
0 Recommendations
A loss of appetite and some shaking may occur after surgery especially if Tessy was suffering from Pyometra or another condition prior or the surgery; whilst an appetite is important you should ensure hydration above everything else and try to encourage appetite by feeding her with a syringe filled with smooth wet food mixed with water or placing food in the microwave to make it more appetising. If Tessy still doesn’t want to eat, you should return to your Veterinarian to give her a check up; any medication would be based on your Veterinarian’s finds during their examination. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
March 3, 2018
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Bernedoodle
Bernie
8 Weeks
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
None
I am purchasing a bernedoodle puppy from a breeder this breeder does an ovary sparing spay on the puppies at 6 to 7 Week’s. Is this ethical . Does it have any health benefits to the puppy and does it make the spaying at 6 months a more difficult surgery .
Dec. 9, 2017
1 Recommendations
Personally I do not like the ovarian sparing spay but I know some breeders (of some breeds of dogs) will do it so that people cannot buy their puppies and breed themselves creating business competition. Removing ovaries from a dog which has had an ovarian sparing spay is considerably longer and more time consuming since you need to find the ovaries right at the back of everything whereas with a normal spay you make the incision can you can find the uterine horn within seconds and then follow that down to the ovary then repeat on the opposite side. Health benefits vary between which article you read which says that the hormones help a female dog throughout her life and the procedure is the same as they perform in human women; it really depends who you ask. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Dec. 9, 2017
thank you
Dec. 9, 2017
Mark M.
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Chihuahua
Babies
16 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Swelling
Tender At Times
Crabby Recent
Always Sleep
I have a 16 year old chihuahua that seems to have a mass growing on her bottom. It has slowly grown over several years since we stopped letting her breed. Breeding was irregular but happened several times before she was 13 or younger. I can't remember when we stopped letting males near her.
Dec. 7, 2017
0 Recommendations
There are a few possible causes for the mass which is growing in that area and may be due to a vaginal tumour, anal gland tumour, perineal hernia or other issue; without examining Babies and having a good feel, I cannot say what the specific cause is. If there are problems with defecation, you should give something to soften the stool; but you should visit your Veterinarian for an overall examination especially considering her age. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Dec. 7, 2017
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