Keyhole Spay

[HoneyG]

I just wanted to share our experience.

Honey is 20 weeks and we planned to have her spayed.  We had expected to have this done after her first season as that is what my husbands previous experience and a few comments from others had led us to understand.

However, when I spoke to our vets, they were happy to spay before 6 months and actually encouraged it.

Our Vet has also offered keyhole surgery for this over the last few years.  Although it is more expensive we opted for us as it seemed the least invasive and quite frankly, if it was me - I would have paid the extra so thought only fair we did this for Honey!

I didn't know what to expect, but I took her along at 9am on Tuesday.  Brought her home at 4pm same day. She was a little groggy but fine.  Then Wednesday mornig she was as sprightly as anything and even came for the walk to school!! (vets said that was fine!)

i have kept her on her lead for walks the last two days so she doesn't run/play too rough and hurt her sutures. But she doesn't even have stitches to be taken out!! They glued her!!

So if any of you are wondering about this option, just wanted to share our experience.

She is going for a quick check up tomorrow and then hopefully can let her walk of some of this pent up energy as clearly my 'lead walks' aren't energy burning enough!!

But a positive experience so far

[Ruby Tuesday]

I'm sure it will be really helpful to other people to read your experience. Our vets didn't offer this option when we had Jem spayed, but if they had, we would definitely have gone for it.

Hope Honey continues to do well

[karen488]

Darcey had her spay done by keyhole. It all went well as you've said. The only thing I was shocked about was her skirt being shaved off! Was expecting them to be able to leave it. No harm done. Just a shock for me 

[HoneyG]

Yes, I knew they would have to shave her, but didn't realise how much of an area!

she does look a little funny!  I also thought she was getting quite fat....but now I realise it was just lots of fluff....and with no fur I can see she is still nice and lean

[Lily Freya]

Yes, I knew they would have to shave her, but didn't realise how much of an area!

she does look a little funny!  I also thought she was getting quite fat....but now I realise it was just lots of fluff....and with no fur I can see she is still nice and lean

I really wish I could choose this option for Gracie.  I spoke with our vet and he doesn't do it.  Can't find any vet in the area who does.  Dreading it.

[Bluebell]

Yes, I knew they would have to shave her, but didn't realise how much of an area!

she does look a little funny!  I also thought she was getting quite fat....but now I realise it was just lots of fluff....and with no fur I can see she is still nice and lean

I really wish I could choose this option for Gracie.  I spoke with our vet and he doesn't do it.  Can't find any vet in the area who does.  Dreading it.

My vet had to do a referral to a specialist veterinary centre for Teva's keyhole spay, does your vet  do something similar ? 

[Ninasmum]

Yes, I knew they would have to shave her, but didn't realise how much of an area!

she does look a little funny!  I also thought she was getting quite fat....but now I realise it was just lots of fluff....and with no fur I can see she is still nice and lean

I really wish I could choose this option for Gracie.  I spoke with our vet and he doesn't do it.  Can't find any vet in the area who does.  Dreading it.

My vet had to do a referral to a specialist veterinary centre for Teva's keyhole spay, does your vet  do something similar ? 

Ditto 
Our vet (same as bluebell's) didn't mind sorting out the referral at all, but i do wonder if some vets might not be so keen to 'lose the business' 
When i took Nina & Georgia back to our vet for a post spay check, he didn't charge us even though they hadn't carried out the operation.    I thought that was really nice. 

[HoneyG]

We're a full week on now and have to say she has been just fine

She had the incisions checked on Friday and they were just fine. so have been letting her off lead again and she is as active as ever.

And the fur is growing back already

It seems our vets was one of the first to offer this procedure. A heavy investment by them in equipment and training. and I researched their statistics which were very encouraging. 

So I would highly recommend this option if you are considering the method to choose - worth every penny extra

[Black Beauty & Silverfox]

Yes, I knew they would have to shave her, but didn't realise how much of an area!

she does look a little funny!  I also thought she was getting quite fat....but now I realise it was just lots of fluff....and with no fur I can see she is still nice and lean

I really wish I could choose this option for Gracie.  I spoke with our vet and he doesn't do it.  Can't find any vet in the area who does.  Dreading it.

Hi Maureen

Totally agree, to date no keyhole vets around here. Our vet said they don't actually do keyhole spaying but the incision is only about 30mm!


Mel.

[Ninasmum]

Yes, I knew they would have to shave her, but didn't realise how much of an area!

she does look a little funny!  I also thought she was getting quite fat....but now I realise it was just lots of fluff....and with no fur I can see she is still nice and lean

I really wish I could choose this option for Gracie.  I spoke with our vet and he doesn't do it.  Can't find any vet in the area who does.  Dreading it.

Hi Maureen

Totally agree, to date no keyhole vets around here. Our vet said they don't actually do keyhole spaying but the incision is only about 30mm!


Mel.

The vets have to buy in very expensive specialist equipment for the keyhole op's, thats why they are far & few between    The more that people request keyhole spay's eventually the costs will come down for the owners. 
If you keep looking Mel you might be able to find a vet in your county but obviously it will mean travelling.  I believe Maureen has found one now.