How to remove the uterus from a dog?

How to remove the uterus from a dog? - briefly

To remove the uterus from a dog, you will need to perform an ovariohysterectomy. This surgical procedure involves removing both the ovaries and the uterus through an incision in the abdomen. It is typically done under general anesthesia by a licensed veterinarian.

How to remove the uterus from a dog? - in detail

Removing the uterus from a dog, also known as an ovariohysterectomy or spaying procedure, is a common surgical intervention performed by veterinarians. This process involves the careful and precise removal of the uterus and often the ovaries to prevent future pregnancies and reduce the risk of certain health issues such as pyometra (a life-threatening infection) and mammary tumors. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide on how this procedure is typically performed:

Preoperative Care: Before the surgery, the dog is given a thorough physical examination to ensure she is healthy enough for the procedure. Pre-anesthetic blood tests may be conducted to evaluate organ function and detect any underlying issues that could complicate the surgery or anesthesia. The dog is usually fasted overnight to prevent vomiting during or after the surgery.
Anesthesia: On the day of the surgery, the dog is administered general anesthesia. This involves injecting a combination of drugs that will render the dog unconscious and pain-free throughout the procedure. Intubation is often performed to maintain a clear airway during surgery.
Surgical Preparation: The surgical site, typically the midline of the abdomen, is clipped and cleaned with antiseptic solution to prevent infection. Sterile drapes are placed around the area to maintain a clean surgical field.
Incision: A veterinary surgeon makes an incision along the midline of the abdomen, usually from just below the umbilicus (navel) to the pubic bone. The length and depth of the incision depend on the size of the dog and the surgical approach preferred by the vet.
Exposure of Reproductive Organs: Once the abdominal cavity is open, the veterinarian carefully locates the reproductive organs—the ovaries, uterine horns, and possibly the cervix and vagina depending on the extent of the surgery. These organs are often surrounded by fatty tissue that needs to be gently dissected away to expose them clearly.
Ligation and Transection: The veterinarian carefully ties off (ligates) each uterine horn and the ovarian pedicle using absorbable suture material. This step is crucial as it prevents bleeding from the severed blood vessels. After ligation, the uterine horns and ovaries are cut away (transected).
Removal of the Uterus: The ligated and transected portions of the uterus and ovaries are removed from the abdominal cavity. In some cases, the entire uterus along with the ovaries is removed in a single piece.
Closure: After ensuring that there is no active bleeding, the incision is closed in layers using absorbable sutures. The skin is typically closed with either sutures or staples, depending on the veterinarian's preference and the size of the dog.
Postoperative Care: Following the surgery, the dog is monitored closely until she regains consciousness from the anesthesia. Pain management is provided through appropriate medications to keep her comfortable during the recovery period. The dog is usually kept in the veterinary clinic for a few days to ensure proper healing and to monitor for any signs of complications such as infection or excessive bleeding.
Aftercare: Once the dog is discharged, owners are provided with detailed aftercare instructions. This includes monitoring the incision site for signs of infection, preventing the dog from licking or biting at the sutures, and ensuring she gets plenty of rest to promote healing. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to check on the healing process and remove any remaining sutures if necessary.

By following these steps, veterinarians can safely and effectively perform an ovariohysterectomy, significantly improving the dog's overall health and quality of life.