Laparoscopic Spay for Dogs in Boston

Smaller incisions. Less pain. Faster recovery.

At CORE Veterinary Surgical Clinic, our board-certified surgeons use advanced minimally invasive techniques that result in significantly less pain and trauma.

What Is a Laparoscopic Spay?

A laparoscopic spay, often referred to as a LOVE spay (Laparoscopic Ovariectomy), removes your dog’s ovaries through 1-2 tiny incisions using a camera and specialized instruments.

Laparoscopic spay uses 1-2  tiny incisions. The ovarian ligaments are gently sealed with cauterization and cut with precision—no tearing or pulling required. Once the ovaries are removed, the uterus becomes inactive and can’t cause problems.

Both procedures achieve the same result: your dog is sterilized and won’t go into heat. The difference is in recovery and your dog’s comfort.

Why Laparoscopic Spay Means Less Pain

The difference comes down to technique. Traditional spay requires manually pulling and tearing the ovarian ligament from the body wall, creating significant internal trauma. With laparoscopic spay, ligaments are gently sealed with cauterization and cut precisely without pulling or tearing.

We’ve heard from countless families whose high-energy dogs bounced back so fast they had to work harder to keep them calm than to manage their pain. That’s the kind of problem you want to have.

Is Laparoscopic Spay Right for Your Dog?

Most healthy dogs are excellent candidates. This procedure is especially good for

High-energy dogs

Large, deep-chested breeds who need gastropexy (stomach tacking to prevent bloat and stomach twisting)—we can do both through the same tiny incisions

Young puppies who need to get back to training and socialization quickly

Any dog whose owner wants the least painful recovery

What to Expect with a Laparoscopic Spay

Before Surgery

A consultation with Dr. Davis includes complete exam, health screening, and time for all your questions

Surgery Day

Drop off in morning, surgery takes less than an hour, same-day discharge in most cases

Recovery at Home

2 weeks

Can combine with gastropexy For at-risk breeds, we perform stomach tacking through the same small incisions. Why Choose CORE for a Laparoscopic Spay Experienced team Board-certified surgeon
Dr. Kechia Davis (DACVS) has performed laparoscopic procedures for more than 15 years. She's published research, serves on the editorial board for Veterinary Surgery, and mentored and trained other board-certified surgeons. Direct communication Meet Dr. Davis

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my dog get pyometra if you only remove the ovaries?

No. Here’s the simple version: pyometra (a serious uterine infection) only happens when a dog’s ovaries produce hormones that affect the uterus. No ovaries means no hormones which means no pyometra. The uterus just becomes inactive tissue.

This has been proven safe in Europe, where they’ve only removed ovaries during spays for decades.

My vet said laparoscopic spay isn’t necessary. Why do you recommend it?

Not all veterinarians are trained in laparoscopic techniques, and that’s okay—traditional spay is still effective. But the research is clear:  pain genuinely is less with laparoscopic spays.

What if something goes wrong during surgery?

Dr. Davis can convert to traditional open surgery if needed—for example, if visualization is poor or unexpected bleeding occurs. This is rare but always an option to ensure your dog’s safety. It’s one of the reasons you want a board-certified surgeon performing the procedure.

Should I combine this with gastropexy?

If your dog is a large or deep-chested breed at risk for bloat (like Standard Poodles, Great Danes, German Shepherds), yes. We do both procedures through the same small incisions meaning your dog has one surgery recovery instead of two.

Schedule Your Consultation

Your consultation with our surgeons includes a complete exam, health assessment, and honest guidance about whether laparoscopic spay is right for your dog.