Laparoscopic ovariectomy is a safe, minimally invasive intervention for companion pigs.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To describe elective laparoscopic ovariectomy (OVE) in a group of companion pigs and compare complication rates and survival times between production and miniature pigs. METHODS: Hospital records (2008 to 2022) were reviewed for pigs that underwent elective laparoscopic OVE. Data recorded included signalment, behavior history, preoperative evaluation, surgical details, and survival to hospital discharge. Anesthetic, surgical, and postoperative complications were documented. Owner follow-up was obtained by telephone and email communication. Nonparametric, continuous variables were compared between pig types by Mann-Whitney analysis and Cohen effect sizes, whereas nominal data were compared by Fisher exact testing. Survival time of production and miniature pigs was compared by Kaplan-Meier log-rank curve comparison testing. RESULTS: 168 pigs underwent elective laparoscopic OVE within the study period, including 120 production pigs and 48 miniature pigs. Among the 168 pigs, a total of 20 anesthetic complications, 16 operative complications, and 13 postoperative complications were observed. Conversion from laparoscopy to open surgery occurred in 7 of 168 cases. The proportion of anesthetic, intraoperative, and postoperative complications did not differ between production and miniature pig groups. All pigs were discharged from the hospital alive. Owner follow-up revealed general satisfaction with the procedure, with 3 of 57 complications reported in the follow-up period and no deaths or interventions related to subsequent reproductive tract disease. Survival time did not differ between production and miniature pigs (P = .35). CONCLUSIONS: There were no differences in complications or outcomes identified between companion production and miniature pigs that underwent elective laparoscopic OVE. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Laparoscopic OVE can be safely and successfully performed in companion pigs.