Two Locations · Florence & Hartsville
Laparoscopic Surgery
For emergency services during office hours please call (843) 779-5125.
Laparoscopic & Minimally Invasive Surgeries for Pets
At Florence Animal Hospital, we’re proud to offer laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgeries—the same advanced technology used in human medicine for more than 25 years.
Laparoscopic Pet Surgeries in Florence, South Carolina
These procedures use tiny “keyhole” incisions instead of large openings, allowing us to perform precise surgery with less pain, less risk, and faster recovery for your pet.
Laparoscopy can be used for a variety of procedures, including keyhole spaying (LOVE Spay).
Keyhole Spaying (LOVE Spay)
LOVE Spay (Laparoscopic ovariectomy) is a minimally invasive alternative to the traditional spay. Instead of a large incision, we use small “keyhole” openings and a camera to remove only the ovaries.
Why choose LOVE Spay?
Causes significantly less pain—up to 65% less than traditional spays
Quicker recovery: only 2–3 days of restricted activity (compared to 7–14 days)
Smaller incisions mean lower infection risk
Removes the hormones that can lead to uterine cancers and infections, while leaving a healthy uterus intact
LOVE Spay is a safe, gentle choice that helps pets bounce back quickly and comfortably.
FAQs About Laparoscopic Surgery
Is this the same technology used in human surgery?
Yes! We use the same advanced technology that has been standard in human medicine for the past 25 years.
What are the benefits of laparoscopy compared to traditional open surgery?
Laparoscopy offers precise surgery with less trauma, less pain, smaller incisions, lower infection risk, reduced anesthesia time, and faster healing.
How long is the recovery after laparoscopic surgery?
Most pets need just 2–3 days of reduced activity. We recommend avoiding baths or swimming for 7–14 days to ensure full healing.
Is it safe to only remove the ovaries during a spay?
Yes. Removing only the ovaries (LOVE Spay) eliminates the hormones that can cause uterine cancers and infections. There’s no benefit to removing a healthy uterus.
Is laparoscopic surgery safe for pets?
Absolutely. In fact, it’s often safer than traditional methods due to smaller incisions, less blood loss, and quicker recovery.
When is the best time to have my pet spayed?
It’s recommended for small and medium dog breeds at 6 to 9 months of age, and for larger dog breeds at 12 to 18 months of age.
For cats, the recommendation is 5 to 6 months of age.
Learn more about the healthiest age to spay (or neuter) your pet.
If you’ve waited longer than this recommended age range, that doesn’t mean it’s too late.
Other Minimally Invasive Services
In addition to the procedures above, our laparoscopic technology allows us to offer:
Rhinoscopy
Examining the nose and collecting biopsies
Otoscopy
High-quality imaging of the ear for accurate diagnosis
Tissue Biopsies
Direct visualization and sample collection for clearer diagnoses
Surgeries Offered by Florence Animal Hospital
Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV), also called dog bloat or twisted stomach, is a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists. Large and deep-chested breeds are most at risk. If untreated, GDV can cut off blood supply and quickly become fatal.
Through laparoscopic prophylactic gastropexy, we can securely attach the stomach to the abdominal wall to prevent twisting. This minimally invasive approach allows excellent visualization, reduces surgical trauma, and helps at-risk breeds avoid future emergencies. Recovery is typically much faster and easier than with traditional open procedures.
Foreign Object Removal
Dogs and cats sometimes swallow things they shouldn’t, like toys, bones, or socks. When a foreign object gets stuck, it can block the stomach or intestines, causing serious illness or even life-threatening complications.
Using endoscopic foreign object removal, we can locate and remove the obstruction through very small incisions. This technique reduces pain, lowers the risk of infection, and speeds up recovery so your pet can get back to their happy, healthy self.
Compassionate Care, Advanced Medicine
At Florence Animal Hospital, we believe your pet deserves the best of both worlds—cutting-edge surgical technology delivered with gentle, compassionate care. With minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, we help pets heal faster, with less pain, and with safer outcomes.