Keyhole Spays Now available at The Hampshire Vet
February 9, 2026
We are delighted to announce that we now offer laparoscopic surgery at The Hampshire Vet.
Initially we are just focusing on neutering but plan to broaden our laparoscopic procedure list in the future.
‘Keyhole’ spays have become increasingly popular recently due to its minimally invasive technique and patients rapid recovery.
What is Laparoscopic (keyhole) Spay?
A laparoscopic spay uses a small camera and specialised instruments to remove the ovaries through tiny incisions. This is significantly less traumatic to tissue and recovery is generally much faster and with less discomfort.
Advantages
- Small wounds
- Reduced post-operative pain
- Faster recovery and earlier return to normal activity
- Particularly beneficial for high energy or very active dogs
Considerations
- Higher cost due to specialist equipment
- In some cases, conversion to open spay may be necessary for pets safety
Choosing the right type of spay procedure for your dog is an important decision. Below is a simple comparison to help you understand the differences between traditional (open) spay and laparoscopic (keyhole) spay.
Key Differences to Traditional Spay at a Glance
| Feature | Traditional Spay | Laparoscopic Spay |
| Wound size | Single larger incision | 2–3 very small incisions |
| Organs removed | Ovaries & uterus | Ovaries only |
| Tissue handling | More manual handling of tissues | Minimal tissue handling |
| Post-operative pain | Moderate | Mild |
| Recovery time | Slower (14–21 days) | Fast (3–10 days) |
| Suitability | All dogs | Currently >10kg |
| Cost | £297 – £423.50 | £724.50 – £823.50 |
Which Approach is best for my dog?
The most suitable option largely depends on your dogs size, health and lifestyle and your preference regarding recovery and cost. Our veterinary team will be happy to discuss the options and recommend the most appropriate choice for your dog.
If you have any questions or would like to book your dog in, get in touch with us via PetsApp.
