By Dr. Caroline Cofer, DVM, CVA, Pet's Favorite Vet & Play Place, Spartanburg, SC
The short answer: A traditional spay removes a dog's ovaries and uterus. An ovary-sparing spay, also called a hormone-sparing spay, removes the entire uterus but leaves the ovaries, so she can't get pregnant or get a uterine infection (pyometra), but she keeps her natural hormones. For some breeds and for larger dogs, UC Davis research suggests keeping those hormones until age 1 or 2 lowers the risk of certain joint problems and cancers.
What does a traditional spay prevent?
Most Spartanburg pet parents know that spaying their female dog is an important part of responsible pet ownership. A traditional spay (ovariohysterectomy) removes both the ovaries and the uterus. This prevents unwanted litters. It also prevents a serious uterine infection called pyometra, uterine cancer and ovarian cancer, and it greatly decreases the risk of mammary cancer. For the overall pet population, though, preventing pregnancy is the most important of these.
Can losing her hormones affect my dog's health?
Some Spartanburg pet owners have asked, rightly, whether the hormones lost during a spay can affect their dog's health. That question has been the subject of several studies in veterinary medicine, best compiled by the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in California.
Their researchers looked at 35 breeds, plus mixed-breed dogs grouped by adult weight, to measure the health outcomes of dogs spayed at different ages. Popular crosses such as Goldendoodles haven't been studied as their own group, so for those dogs we look at their expected adult size and their parent breeds.
Many breeds live healthy, happy lives with a traditional spay before puberty, also known as their first heat cycle. Some breeds, and mixed-breed dogs over about 44 pounds as adults, have better lifelong health if they wait to be spayed until their first or second birthday.
How do I keep her from getting pregnant while we wait?
That's the hard part. Waiting can be difficult, especially for pet owners who need to leave their female dog in a fenced yard or want to take her on play dates.
What is an ovary-sparing spay?
This is where the ovary-sparing spay comes in. You may also hear it called a hormone-sparing spay or a hysterectomy. An ovary-sparing spay removes the entire uterus and the top portion of the cervix, and leaves the ovaries in place. Pregnancy, pyometra and uterine cancer are prevented, and she keeps her natural hormones.
| Traditional spay | Ovary-sparing spay | |
|---|---|---|
| What's removed | Ovaries and uterus | Uterus and top of the cervix (ovaries stay) |
| Pregnancy | Prevented | Prevented |
| Pyometra and uterine cancer | Prevented | Prevented |
| Ovarian cancer | Prevented | Still possible, but rare in dogs |
| Mammary cancer risk | Greatly reduced | Higher than a traditional spay, so regular checks matter |
| Heat cycles | None | Still happen, with bleeding. She may attract male dogs but can't get pregnant |
| Natural hormones | Removed | Kept |
What should I watch for after an ovary-sparing spay?
It is important to note that mammary cancer risk is higher in these dogs than in dogs with a traditional spay. All dogs who have ovaries, whether they have a uterus or not, should have a mammary exam by their owners at the end of each heat cycle and with their veterinary checkups. Just like in humans, early detection makes mammary cancer very treatable.
Is an ovary-sparing spay right for my dog?
It may be a good fit if:
- She's a breed, or a mixed breed expected to weigh over about 44 pounds, that does better keeping her hormones until age 1 or 2
- You want her protected from pregnancy and pyometra now, without giving up those hormones
- You're comfortable with her still having heat cycles and with checking her mammary glands regularly
For many dogs, a traditional spay is still the right choice. We don't default to one option. We'll talk through your dog's breed, expected size, age and lifestyle at a consult and help you decide.
Where can I get an ovary-sparing spay in Spartanburg?
Dr. Caroline of Pet's Favorite Vet & Play Place is the only veterinarian in Spartanburg currently offering the ovary-sparing spay. Families also come to us from Greenville, Boiling Springs and across the Upstate. This specialized surgical procedure gives pet parents a choice in how they manage their female dog's hormonal health. The ovary-sparing spay allows pet owners and vets alike to slow pet overpopulation while keeping our favorite girls healthy and happy.
Call us today at (864) 686-8583 or book an ovary-sparing spay consult online. You can also read more about your options on our Spay & Neuter page.
Frequently asked questions
Is an ovary-sparing spay the same as a hormone-sparing spay or a hysterectomy?
Yes. All three names mean the same surgery: the uterus is removed and the ovaries are left in place, so she keeps her natural hormones.
Will my dog still go into heat after an ovary-sparing spay?
Yes. Her ovaries still make hormones, so she will still go into heat, bleed and may attract and mate with male dogs, but she cannot get pregnant.
Can she still get pyometra after an ovary-sparing spay?
No. Pyometra is an infection of the uterus, and the entire uterus is removed.
What age is best for an ovary-sparing spay?
It depends on her breed and expected adult size. We'll recommend the right timing for your dog at her consult.
Does an ovary-sparing spay increase mammary cancer risk?
Compared to a traditional spay, yes. That's why we recommend a mammary check at the end of every heat cycle and at every vet visit. Caught early, mammary cancer is very treatable.
