Is this a cause for concern? Spay Procedures

[jerseygirl]

I read this abstract to an article recently and it has me sort of concerned. Mainly, this key point:

“Laparoscopic ovariectomy should be considered sterilization technique of choice for zoologic mammals.”

In short, it talks how this is the common procedure now for cats and dogs and it promotes this in exotic pets that the veterinarians see more of now. (Rabbits, Rodents, Ferrets)

While I’m all for the benefits (less invasive, less pain, faster healing) my main concern for rabbits is if there is a move away from ovariohysterectomy. I didn’t access full article so I may be jumping the gun…

Id like your thoughts all the same. 

[LBJ10]

Hmm, interesting. I wonder what type of rabbits these were and if they will monitor them in the future to see what the long term effects are. The risk of uterine cancer in rabbits does vary by breed (genetic), with some breeds being more likely to get it than others. Then there is the role that estrogen plays in all of this. Would the absence of estrogen lower the risk? Lower levels of estrogen and higher levels of progesterone actually decrease the risk in humans.

[Bam]

It would of course be great if this works. In dogs, unspayed females have a high risk (at least 1/4, more in certain breeds, less in others) of pyometra, which is also a problem of the uterus. That’s the main reason for spaying a female dog here. Wouldn’t that still be a risk if you leave the uterus? As LBJ says, the role of estrogen is perhaps crucial.

I wonder what my vet thinks about this. Really interesting. Have to look into. Thanks, Jersey!

Edit: Found this about dogs: http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/04/14/ovariectomy-safer-alternative-to-pet-spaying.aspx

It sounds very hopeful regarding uterine cancer and pyometra, apparently those conditions are primarily hormone-driven. In dogs they do tend to get pyometra at a certain time in their reproductive cycle, “during or immediately after the luteal phase of the estrous cycle”, so it does make sense. 

What a relief this would be for girl-bunny-owners if it works for rabbits. 

[LBJ10]

Thanks for the article Bam. Yes, they are hormone-driven so it would make sense. It’s interesting to think about, that’s for sure. I wish there was more information about the rabbit study, if they continued to monitor them after they had the procedure to see if it lowered the risk for them too. In theory, you would think that it would be similar to dogs. Then again, dogs are not programmed to reproduce quickly either. The same hormones are involved though……………

[jerseygirl]

I think endometrial cancer is most common for rabbits. (??? dont quote me) I suppose that is hormone driven also?

Why would full ovariohysterectomy be commonly done now though if so many issues could supposedly be resolved from just removing ovaries?

[Bam]

It may be because there’s not enough evidence. I’ll ask my vet when Yohio goes for his next dental in a month or so (hopefully I won’t need a vet until then.)

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