Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Uterine Hook Application in Large Breed Canine Ovariohysterectomy: Physiological Study

Objective- The aim of this study was to compare the duration of surgery as well as some physiological stress indicators in large breed dogs undergoing open ovariohysterectomy with or without use of uterine hook. Design- Experimental study Animals- Fourteen healthy dogs underwent open OHE with (N=7) or without use of uterine hook (N = 7). Procedures- Physiological measurements as well as serum glucose and cortisol concentrations were measured 30 minutes before the surgery, and at 2, 6 and 24 hours postoperatively. CRP concentrations were measured as well. Values at each time point were compared between the two groups. Results- Our results indicated significantly lower serum glucose at 6 and 24 hours after surgery in the hook group compared to other group. Serum cortisol concentrations didn’t show significant difference. Significantly lower serum CRP concentrations were detected in hook group at 24 hours after OHE. The average temperature, heart rate and breathing at any time between the two study groups were not significantly different. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance- Amount of blood sugar and serum CRP level in OHE with hook group was lower, which may be indicator of decreased surgical stress. Ovariohysterectomy with hook has a series of advantages and disadvantages. It can be concluded that using uterine hook to exteriorize the horns of uterus during OHE may lead to shorter abdominal incision and result in fewer trauma and surgical stress after operation, if uterine hook is applied by an experienced and skilled surgeon.