Pros and Cons of Ovariectomy in Dogs

Spaying your female dog or cat may be recommended by your vet for many reasons. Spaying (surgically sterilizing) your pet has benefits beyond only preventing her from having further offspring. If you do not spay your female dog or cat, she will have an increased risk for certain malignancies, including malignant mammary tumors. This is something that has been well documented. Additionally, it will raise her risk of getting pyometra, a uterine infection that can be fatal. Additionally, the undesirable behavioral and physical changes that occur during your pet's heat cycle can be prevented. Spaying your pet has possible health benefits, and it's crucial to talk to your vet about when it's the right time to do it. However, you should also know that there are multiple ways of doing this surgery.


    Ovariectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the ovaries from a female dog in order to prevent further reproduction. The method is an alternative to the standard spay operation. An ovariectomy leaves the uterine horns and body in the abdomen, but an ovariohysterectomy removes the complete reproductive system, including the cervix. 

    For the routine sterilization of female dogs, ovariectomy is acquiring popularity. The pet has less pain during the process because the cut is smaller and there is less pressure on the reproductive tract. 

    Pros and Cons of Ovariectomy in Dogs

    Pros of Ovariectomy in Dogs

    Ovariectomy is a surgical procedure performed on female canines to remove their ovaries. The following are some of the benefits of ovariectomy in dogs:

    Minimally Invasive

    Ovariectomy is less invasive than its counterpart, ovariohysterectomy, which eliminates both ovaries and the uterus at once.

    Quick recovery

    Ovariohysterectomy takes longer to heal than Ovariectomy.

    Less danger to other important structures

    Ovariectomy carries a lower risk of unintentionally trapping the ureter in surgical ligatures close to the cervix than other surgical procedures.

    Reduces the likelihood of contracting certain diseases

    Ovariectomy can lower the incidence of uterine infections as compared to other procedures which are more invasive.

    Avoids heat cycles

    Typically, female dogs experience two heat cycles per year, which can be messy and unpleasant for both the dog and its owner. These cycles are stopped via ovarian surgery.

    Permanent sterilization 

    Ovariectomy is a procedure used to permanently sterilize female dogs.

    No further tissue is removed

    In comparison to an ovariohysterectomy, an ovariectomy does not include the removal of any extra tissue.

    Cons of Ovariectomy in Dogs

    Despite the many advantages of ovariectomy, there are a few possible downsides to take into account:

    Surgery complications

    As with any operation, there is a chance of problems such as bleeding, infection, and adverse drug reactions.

    Possibility of gaining weight

    Spaying can cause weight gain in some dogs, which can put them at higher risk for health issues associated with obesity.

    Potential behavioral changes

    Although spaying can aid in the reduction of some behavioral issues, it can also result in behavioral shifts, such as an increase in anxiety or nervousness.

    Irreversible

    It is impossible for a spayed female dog to bear puppies after the procedure has been performed. The ovariectomy procedure is not an option if you intend to breed your dog in the future.

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