WHEN it comes to being a pet parent, the decision to spay or neuter your pet—and when—is one of the most important that you can make.

If you've just brought home a new puppy or kitten that hasn't been sterilized yet, how can you know when the right time is?

The decision of whether to spay or neuter your pet is a personal one and may be influenced by a whole host of factors, including:

• Your and your pet's lifestyle: Do you love visiting the dog park or being social with other pets? Have you always wanted to welcome a litter of puppies or kittens into your home?
• Your pet's breed: Is your pet a purebred or a mix of breeds?
• Environmental factors: Do you live in an area with a lot of other pets who may not be sterilized? Could your pet easily escape your house or yard?

It's a difficult subject but one where you will find all the help and advice you need at Vets4Pets in Thurrock, which – if you've reached a decision – is proud to offer laparoscopic (keyhole) spays – a modern, minimally invasive alternative to traditional spaying surgery.

Using the same advanced techniques as those used in human medicine, laparoscopic surgery provides your pet with a gentler, safer, and faster-healing experience.

A monitor on a table

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What Is a Laparoscopic Spay?

A laparoscopic spay involves removing the ovaries through two tiny incisions (around 0.5–1 cm each) instead of the large 5–10 cm incision made during a traditional spay.

A special camera (laparoscope) projects a magnified image of the abdomen onto a screen, allowing the surgeon to operate with exceptional precision and minimal tissue trauma.

This advanced approach enables the ovarian ligament to be cut and cauterised, rather than being torn by hand as in conventional surgery. The abdomen is gently inflated with carbon dioxide, which helps to reduce inflammation and discomfort. No other organs are disturbed during the procedure.

The Benefits of a Laparoscopic Spay

Research published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (2005) found that laparoscopic spays cause up to 65% less post-operative pain compared to traditional methods.

Key benefits include:

Less trauma and bruising

Faster healing and recovery

Smaller incisions and minimal scarring

Reduced inflammation and pain

Lower risk of post-operative complications

For larger or deep-chested dogs, we can also perform a gastropexy during the procedure — a preventative measure that helps protect against life-threatening gastric torsion (bloat).

Preparing for Surgery

To make the procedure as safe and smooth as possible:

No food should be given after 10pm the night before surgery.

Remove access to water one hour before admission.

Give your pet time to exercise and empty their bowels and bladder before arrival.

Continue regular medication unless instructed otherwise.

If your pet is diabetic, please ask for specific advice from our veterinary surgeon.

Optional procedures such as microchipping, nail clipping, and dental polishing can also be carried out while your pet is under anaesthetic.

On the Day of the Procedure

When you arrive at Vets4Pets Thurrock, a member of our veterinary team will carry out a full pre-surgical check-up and discuss the procedure in detail.

You'll be asked to sign a consent form and confirm any optional treatments you'd like performed.

Your pet will then receive medication to help it relax before the procedure begins. During surgery, our skilled team closely monitors heart rate, breathing, and other vital signs throughout – using advanced anaesthetic agents and monitoring equipment similar to that used in human hospitals. 

After Surgery: Recovery and Care

Once awake, your pet will be offered a light meal and carefully monitored until she's ready to go home later the same day.

You'll receive a full discharge pack containing pain relief (usually for three days), post-operative care instructions, and any relevant lab results.

That evening, it's normal for your pet to be quiet or sleepy. Keep her warm, comfortable, and calm indoors. Offer a small meal and ensure bedding is easy to reach without jumping or climbing.

For the next few days:

Walks should be short and on-lead only

Avoid bathing or swimming for 10 days

Feed bland food (e.g. boiled chicken and potatoes) or the recommended recovery diet

Give prescribed pain medication as directed

Contact us immediately if you notice vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive swelling, or licking at the wounds

We may recommend a medical pet t-shirt or buster collar to prevent licking and ensure optimal wound healing.

Post-Operative Check on 3rd day only.

Our goal is to ensure your pet's recovery is smooth, stress-free, and supported every step of the way.

Why Choose Vets4Pets Thurrock

At Vets4Pets Thurrock, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional veterinary care through experience, compassion, and cutting-edge technology. Our highly trained team provides the same level of surgical precision and monitoring that you would expect in a human operating theatre.

We're dedicated to making your pet's spay procedure as safe, comfortable, and stress-free as possible — because your pet deserves nothing less.

Contact Us:

01708 689950

[email protected]