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Before the procedure: consultation and pre-op
It starts with a consultation. Dr. Pedraza reviews your dog's history, performs a physical exam, and discusses whether the keyhole approach is a good fit. For most healthy companion animals it is, but age, weight and any existing conditions are all considered. Pre-operative bloodwork helps confirm that the liver, kidneys and blood cells are healthy enough for anesthesia. The clinic provides fasting and water instructions for your dog; confirm the timing before the procedure. This is the moment to ask questions and share concerns; an informed family makes for a calmer surgery day.
The day of surgery: what happens
On the day, your dog is admitted and settled in. A tailored anesthetic protocol is prepared, and a dedicated team monitors heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen and temperature throughout. Rather than a single long incision, the laparoscopic spay uses one or two tiny keyhole incisions of around five millimeters. An HD camera gives a magnified, well-lit view inside the abdomen, so the ovaries are located and removed precisely, with the supporting tissue sealed instead of torn. The team monitors anesthetic recovery and decides when discharge is appropriate for the individual patient.
Recovery at home: following the individual plan
Small incisions still require pain management and recovery monitoring. Expect some grogginess on the first evening and a quieter appetite that returns within a day or two. Keep your dog calm: short leashed bathroom breaks only, no running, jumping or rough play, and no baths or swimming until cleared. Use any prescribed pain medication exactly as directed, and protect the incisions with a recovery cone or suit so they aren't licked. Check the small sites daily for redness, swelling or discharge. Activity and incision-care restrictions continue for the period specified by the clinic, even if your dog seems comfortable.
How laparoscopic recovery differs from a traditional spay
An open spay provides direct access through an abdominal incision. A laparoscopic spay uses a camera and instruments through small ports. The smaller access points may offer benefits for selected patients, but either approach requires pain management, incision care and activity restrictions. Dr. Pedraza explains the recovery plan and alternatives for your dog.
Questions to ask your vet
Good questions help you feel confident. Consider asking: Is my dog a good candidate for a laparoscopic spay? What anesthesia and monitoring will be used? How should I manage pain and activity at home? What signs should prompt a call back? And when will the recheck happen? Dr. Pedraza welcomes these conversations, because the right plan always depends on your individual companion animal.
Prefer to talk it through first? Contact our Santa Monica clinic and we'll help you plan the right next step for your dog.
This page is educational and does not replace an individual veterinary consultation.
Plan the next steps with our preparation checklist and recovery guide. For the service and candidacy discussion, see laparoscopic spay at the clinic.
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Sources & further reading
For more detail on the topics in this guide, explore these professional resources.
American College of Veterinary Surgeons
Ovariohysterectomy (opens in a new tab)Ovariectomy and ovariohysterectomy, including open and laparoscopic approaches and general aftercare.
American Animal Hospital Association
Phase 3: Return Home (opens in a new tab)Discharge communication, individual home-care instructions and when to contact the care team.
This guide provides general educational information and does not replace an individual veterinary examination or case-specific advice.