Laparoscopic Procedures:

What is laparoscopic surgery? This is a type of surgery that uses small incisions and a minimally invasive scope within the abdomen. These procedures typically have a quicker recovery time due to less bleeding and post-operative pain associated with the procedure. They also require a lighter plane of anesthesia due to lack of invasiveness. WIth laparoscopic surgery, Dr. McQueen will be able to view the surgical site through a laparoscope (camera) that is inserted through a small abdominal incision and perform the surgical procedure through a second small hole while viewing the abdomen through the camera.

Types of Laparoscopic Surgeries That We Offer:

LAPAROSCOPIC SPAY A laparoscopic spay is a minimally invasive alternative to a traditional spay procedure. Instead of a large abdominal incision, your pet will have only 2 small incisions (about 0.5 cm) and stitches. Because of the smaller incision and the type of equipment used, there is less risk of bleeding and less post-operative pain associated with this procedure versus a traditional spay. Research shows that animals undergoing laparoscopic procedures feel 65% less pain than with a traditional spay. An added bonus is that our patients require less anesthesia! We still ask our patients to wear cones and be on pain medications post-op, but there is less chance of post-operative complications due to how minimally invasive this procedure is. Not all female dogs should undergo this procedure. Very small patients or mature females in heat should discuss this procedure with our staff before undergoing this surgery. Cost: $650

LAPARASCOPIC GASTROPEXY This is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to prevent something called Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV). GDV is a life threatening disease that occurs in large, deep chested dogs. This happens when a dog’s stomach fills with gas then flips, cutting off the entry and exit points to the stomach. This event results in obstruction of the stomach, circulatory shock, and death. GDV requires emergency surgery and intensive hospitalization, which can cost more than $5000 to treat. At Crossroads, we offer a procedure called a Laparaoscopic Gastropexy, which PREVENTS GDV. This procedure involves tacking a small section of the stomach wall to the inside surface of the body wall so that the stomach is unable to flip. In comparison to a traditional gastropexy, a laparoscopic gastropexy is minimally invasive, using a 2-3 cm incision instead of a long abdominal incision. Because of the smaller incision and the type of equipment used, there is less risk of bleeding and less post-operative pain associated with this procedure versus a traditional gastropexy. An added bonus is that our patients require less anesthesia! We still ask our patients to wear cones and be on pain medications post-op, but there is less chance of post-operative complications due to how minimally invasive this procedure is. This procedure is recommended for all large breed and deep chested dogs, including, but not limited to: Standard Poodle, Great Dane, Labrador, Golden Retriever, Wiemeraner, Bernese Mountain Dog, Pyrenees, Doberman, Rottweiler, German Shepherd, German Short-haired Pointer, Brittany and Springer Spaniels, and Large Doodles. Cost: $650