Comparison of Acute Phase and Haemostatic Responses Following Ovariohysterectomy via Midline or Flank Approach in Dogs

Abstract

Different contraception techniques have been recommended in dogs for population control, behavioral management, and health benefits. However, ovariohysterectomy (OVH) is still the most widely used technique in veterinary practice. This study aimed to evaluate haematobiochemical changes and surgical trauma in ventral midline and right flank laparotomy approach for assessing the effectiveness of OVH techniques commonly used in dogs. Clinically healthy non-pregnant dogs (n=20, 1-5 years of age with 22.3±1.5kg mean BW) were randomly divided into two groups to perform OVH via ventral midline (n=10) or right flank laparotomy (n=10). The surgical time, length of the surgical incision, and time taken by the dog to recover from anesthesia were evaluated to compare surgical techniques. The haematobiochemical changes and surgical trauma were determined by taking blood samples before surgery and at specific intervals afterward by measuring haematological parameters, C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, and D-dimer values. According to the results, a statistically non-significant difference was observed in serum CRP levels between the two groups. A significant reduction (P<0.05) in platelet count was observed in both groups on the post-operative day-2 compared to pre-operative or post-operative day-7 values. While there was significant difference in fibrinogen values between preoperative and 12h postoperative measurements (P<0.05), there was no difference between the two groups. Although the preoperative serum D-dimer values could not be evaluated statistically, no difference was found between times and groups in the postoperative serum D-dimer values at 6 and 12h. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that ovariohysterectomy performed by ventral midline and right flank laparotomy in dogs had a similar haemostatic response, and that both approaches can be safely preferred.