Expert Spays for Large Dogs – Now Offering a Less Invasive Option
At Fern Hill Veterinary Care, we specialize in spays for large breed dogs—a procedure that many clinics find challenging. Our team has experience with big dog spays and is fully equipped to ensure their comfort and safety throughout surgery and recovery.
We’re proud to offer the option of a canine ovariectomy (OVE)—a less invasive alternative to the traditional spay (ovariohysterectomy). This technique involves removing only the ovaries, rather than both the ovaries and uterus, and has been shown to provide the same long-term health benefits with a smaller incision, shorter surgery time, and potentially faster recovery.
OVE is ideal for healthy, young dogs (up to age three) and particularly beneficial for large breeds, where minimizing surgical stress can make a big difference. For older dogs, we perform safe ovariohysteriectomies by a skilled, experienced surgeon.
Why choose us?
We’re confident and skilled with large dog spays
We offer a gentler, effective spay option (OVE)
Your dog’s safety and comfort are always our top priority
✅ Benefits of Ovariectomy
Smaller surgical site: Typically requires less dissection and manipulation of tissues.
Shorter surgery time: Because the uterus is left intact, the procedure is often faster.
Reduced postoperative pain and complications: Studies suggest less inflammation and quicker recovery.
Equivalent long-term outcomes: Prevents heat cycles, eliminates unwanted pregnancy, and drastically reduces risk of pyometra (since estrogen/progesterone stimulation is removed).
⚖️ Safety and Efficacy
Multiple studies—especially from Europe, where OVE is more common—show that:
There is no difference in long-term health outcomes between OVE and OVH in young, healthy dogs.
Pyometra risk remains very low because the hormonal influence on the uterus is removed.
Risk of uterine neoplasia is extremely rare in spayed dogs, so removing the uterus adds little preventive benefit in most cases.
Large Dog Spays – Done Right, Done Compassionately
Whether it’s your Great Dane, Mastiff, Rottweiler, or Shepherd mix, we ensure a smooth surgical experience, personalized pain management, and careful aftercare guidance—because your best friend deserves nothing less.
✔ Tailored anesthesia, surgery & recovery for big dogs
✔ Clear instructions and personal follow-up
🔍 Definitions:
Ovariectomy (OVE): Removal of the ovaries only
Ovariohysterectomy (OVH): Removal of the ovaries and the uterus
Contact us today to schedule your pet’s exam and discuss your options with one of our doctors.
