General Laparoscopy

We are very proud that Eglinton Vet is one of only a few clinics in the GTA to offer the option of having your pet’s surgical procedure(s) performed laparoscopically.  Having used this technology since 2012, our team is very experienced. And we have had years of seeing the benefits of laparoscopic procedures over traditional surgical techniques!

Laparoscopy involves the use of a fibre optic telescope and camera to visualize areas within the patient’s abdomen to complete a procedure. Although laparoscopy is most commonly used in veterinary patients for spays (laparoscopic ovariohysterectomies), it can also be used to visualize the nasal cavity and ears (otoscopy), perform prophylactic gastropexies (a surgery to prevent bloat in large breed dogs), to do biopsies of liver/intestines and to facilitate the removal of bladder stones using the laparoscope.

Our team would be happy to answer any questions that you may have about laparoscopy, and/or to book a consultation with one of our doctors. Our laparoscopic procedures are currently being performed by consultant surgeons with training and experience with this equipment (Dr. Jessica Chong and Dr. Karen MacMillan). They are typically available two days per week for laparoscopic procedures.  We do see patients who are not regular clients of Eglinton Vet, and will work with your regular veterinarian to do any pre-op work, and we expect that these patients will then return to their regular vet following recovery from the procedure.

Laparoscopic spays

The most common procedure that we perform with our laparoscopic equipment is a canine spay.  Please see the link at the bottom of this page which will take you to a video of our doctor performing a laparoscopic spay.

Laparoscopy involves the use of a fibre optic telescope and camera to visualize areas within our patients. Although typically used for abdominal procedures such as a spay, we may also use it to visualize the nasal cavity and ears (otoscopy). This technology is relatively new to veterinary medicine, however, it is used when possible in human medicine to eliminate the need for open abdominal surgery.  Our team of veterinarians has made the commitment to this technology as we feel that laparoscopy offers benefits in a number of situations to prevent or manage illness in our patients.

Our laparoscopic equipment allows access to the abdomen via one small incision, only 11mm in size. The spay procedure can then be performed completely through this small incision, by manipulating internal tissues which are visualized on a computer monitor under magnification.

Laparoscopic spays are believed to be less painful due to the small incision size, as well as the way that the spay itself is performed. Using the laparoscope, tissues are identified and cauterized prior to being cut, rather than being torn as during a traditional spay. Direct manipulation and cauterization of blood vessels results in less trauma to nerves (fewer pain sensations) and minimal bleeding. In fact, it was concluded in a study in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association that laparoscopic spays are associated with up to 65% less pain than traditional spays. 

Performing spays in this way allows us to send your pet home the same day (now a day surgery instead requiring an overnight stay). The small incision also means that your pet can return to normal activity in as little as 2-3 days and will likely not need to wear an elizabeathan collar (hurray!).

Please call or come in to ask about this innovative, non-invasive form of surgery for your pet. Our team would be happy to answer any questions or to book a consultation with one of our doctors.

Laparoscopic Assisted Gastropexies

Laparoscopic Assisted Gastropexies are a relatively new, less invasive way of surgically preventing life threatening gastric dilation/volvulus (GDV or “bloat”) in at risk breeds.  A GDV occurs when the stomach fills with gas, causing the stomach to become distended, then subsequently twists upon itself.  When the stomach twists, the entrance and exit become occluded trapping gas and food in the stomach.  The torsion also traps bloodflow into and out of the stomach creating a life threatening situation.  Dogs with untreated GDV can die in minutes to a few hours.  A prophylactic gastropexy involves tacking the outer lining of the stomach to the abdominal wall.  Once healed, this strong bond prevents the stomach from twisting on itself in the future.   

Preventing a GDV from happening is highly recommended for dogs at risk, usually breeds with large deep chests.  Examples of at risk breeds include:

  • Great Danes
  • Saint Bernards
  • Weimeraners
  • Boxers
  • Standard Poodles
  • Doberman Pinschers
  • Irish Setters
  • Basset Hounds

Traditionally, having a gastropexy performed on your dog would require a full abdominal incision which could lead to longer recovery times and more post-operative discomfort.  Laparoscopic gastropexies allow us to tack the dogs stomach to the abdominal wall through a very small incision (approx. 2″ long).  This minimally invasive approach leads to less post-operative discomfort and a much faster recovery time. 

Please call or come in to ask about this innovative, non-invasive form of surgery for your pet. Our team would be happy to answer any questions or to book a consultation with one of our doctors.