Single Incision, Laparoscopic-Assisted Ovariohysterectomy for Mucometra and Pyometra in Dogs

Objective To describe a single-incision, laparoscopic-assisted technique for ovariohysterectomy and its application for treatment of mucometra and pyometra in dogs. Study Design Prospective case series. Animals Seven dogs. Methods Dogs were included if they had an open or closed pyometra or mucometra and an approximate uterine body diameter of less than 5 cm based on ultrasound or abdominal radiographs. Each dog underwent a laparoscopic-assisted ovariohysterectomy through a single-incision laparoscopic port. Results The procedure was performed in 6 dogs with pyometra and 1 dog with mucometra. Conversion to an open procedure was necessary in 1 dog with uterine rupture. A 2nd port was necessary in 1 dog to exteriorize the uterine body. Median uterine body diameter was 2.2 cm (range 2–3.9). The median surgical time was 85 minutes (range 40–110). Six of 7 dogs were released from the hospital at 1 day postoperative. Follow up ranged from 7 to 421 days and no complications were reported. Conclusion A single-incision, laparoscopic-assisted technique for pyometra was feasible in dogs, given restricted case selection and experience with single-incision laparoscopy.