Speaking Out

Dear Editor,

I would like to compliment Dr. Austin, et al., for their article titled Laparoscopic Ovariohysterectomy in Nine Dogs (

), in which they describe a new, minimally invasive technique for the sterilization of female dogs.

Dr. Austin and her colleagues state that ovariohysterectomy is a necessity for many of our domestic animals, aiding in population control, disease prophylaxis, therapeutics, and behavior modification. In my opinion, this statement is incorrect. These objectives can be accomplished by performing a simple ovariectomy, rather than the more invasive, full ovariohysterectomy. There is no indication to perform an ovariohysterectomy in healthy, nongravid bitches.¹² Since many of the complications seen with ovariohysterectomies can be attributed to the cervical stump and the transection of the broad ligament,³⁴ many now advocate ovariectomy as the procedure of choice for the sterilization of female dogs.

Since the authors’ goal is to explore minimally invasive techniques for the sterilization of female dogs, I would like to hear their arguments supporting the use of a full ovariohysterectomy on healthy, nongravid animals instead of the less-invasive ovariectomy procedure. In my opinion, minimally invasive surgery should start with limiting the surgical trauma to the least amount necessary.