Reproductive Surgery for Dogs and Cats in Scottsdale, AZ
Reproductive conditions in pets range from congenital defects and retained testicles to serious uterine infections and mammary tumors. At Salt River Veterinary Specialists, our board-certified surgeons offer advanced reproductive procedures, including minimally invasive laparoscopic spays and cryptorchid surgery, to treat these conditions safely with less discomfort and a faster recovery when possible.
Reproductive Conditions We Treat
- Laparoscopic spay – A minimally invasive ovariectomy performed through two or three small incisions, typically with less pain and a quicker return to normal activity than a traditional spay. It can be combined with a preventive gastropexy in large-breed dogs at risk for bloat, as described on our abdominal surgical conditions page.
- Laparoscopic cryptorchid surgery – Retained testicles inside the abdomen have a higher risk of cancer and are removed laparoscopically through small incisions.
- Uterine infection (pyometra) – A life-threatening infection of the uterus in intact females that requires prompt surgical removal of the infected uterus and ovaries.
- Mammary gland tumors and mastectomy – Removal of mammary masses, ranging from a single gland to a full chain, with staging to guide treatment. Learn more on our cancer surgery page.
- Ovarian remnant syndrome – Removal of ovarian tissue left behind after a previous spay, which causes continued heat cycles.
- Hooded vulva and episioplasty – Removal of excess skin folds around the vulva that trap moisture, leading to skin infections and recurrent urinary tract infections.
- Congenital defects – Correction of abnormalities of the reproductive and lower urinary tract, including vaginal webs that can be treated with laser through cystoscopy.
Signs of Reproductive Disease
Contact your veterinarian promptly if your pet has vaginal discharge, increased thirst, lethargy, or vomiting after a heat cycle, which can signal pyometra. Other signs include lumps along the belly, continued heat cycles after a spay, or chronic licking and redness around the vulva.
Diagnosis and Planning
Our team uses bloodwork, abdominal ultrasound, and chest radiographs for tumor staging to plan surgery. Female dogs with recurrent urinary infections or leaking may also be evaluated for ectopic ureters, which can be treated with laser ectopic ureter correction.
Benefits of Laparoscopic Reproductive Surgery
Laparoscopic procedures use a camera and small instruments for excellent visualization through tiny incisions. Benefits include reduced pain, smaller scars, less bleeding, and faster recovery. Learn more about our laparoscopic capabilities, our surgery department, or review payment options.
Reproductive Surgery FAQs
What is a laparoscopic spay?
It is a minimally invasive spay performed through small incisions using a camera, typically resulting in less pain and faster recovery.
Is pyometra an emergency?
Yes. Pyometra is a life-threatening uterine infection that requires prompt surgery.
Why should retained testicles be removed?
Testicles retained in the abdomen have a higher risk of developing cancer and should be removed.
Are mammary tumors in dogs cancerous?
About half of mammary tumors in dogs are malignant, so early removal and testing are important.
What is a hooded vulva?
It is a vulva recessed beneath skin folds that trap moisture, causing skin and urinary infections. Episioplasty removes the excess skin.
What causes heat cycles after a spay?
Ovarian remnant syndrome, in which ovarian tissue remains after surgery, can cause continued heat cycles and is treated surgically.
How long is recovery after a laparoscopic spay?
Most pets return to normal activity within a few days, with incisions healing in about 10 to 14 days.
Advanced Reproductive Surgery
Call Salt River Veterinary Specialists at (480) 819-8630 or request an appointment online to schedule a surgical consultation.