Ovary Sparing Spay
Learn More Info Below
Pet owners across the United States are continuously reminded to “spay or neuter” their pets. However, spay/neuter at an early age has become a somewhat controversial topic. As a result, a new option is available in a limited capacity in the United States.
Dr. Jim Carlson, owner of Riverside Animal Clinic, was the first Illinois veterinarian to offer the ovary sparing spay. Gaining in acceptance first with large dog owners and breeders, the ovary sparing spay offers an alternative to the traditional spay that improves a dog’s health throughout her lifetime.
The ovary sparing spay is different from the regular spay procedure because the ovaries are retained and only the uterus and cervix are removed. The ovaries will continue to provide the dog with medical and health benefits from the protective hormone estrogen. The procedure relieves the pet and owner of the nuisance spay cycle and eliminates the ability for the dog to carry a litter of puppies.
According to Dr. Carlson there are many good reasons for retaining ovaries. “What I like about this surgery is that it addresses population concerns without the impact of hormone loss. We are really at the forefront of what hormone loss means to dogs, especially dogs prone to specific diseases after an early spay including: incontinence, increased cancer risk and bone loss,” said Dr. Carlson.
Ovary sparing spay is offered to existing clients only. At this time, we are not taking new clients for this specific surgery.