Ovariectomy in canine surgical medicine: a comparative analysis of surgical approaches and the nociceptive, inflammatory, and oxidative stress responses

This study aimed to compare the physiological impact of open ovariectomy (the O group) and laparoscopic ovariectomy (the LA group) in dogs by evaluating intraoperative nociceptive responses, postoperative pain, inflammatory markers, and oxidative stress parameters. Sixty healthy dogs were randomly assigned to either technique or a control group (CNT). A standardized anesthetic protocol was used, and their vital signs, pain scores, and blood parameters were measured before, during, and after surgery. Pain was evaluated using the Colorado State University Canine Acute Pain Scale. Oxidative stress was measured by assessing levels of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), myeloperoxidase (MPO), butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), and malondialdehyde (MDA). Both techniques were safe and well tolerated, with no complications or need for rescue analgesia. However, the open surgery group exhibited significantly higher levels of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers postoperatively, including increased MPO and MDA levels and decreased BuChE. In contrast, the laparoscopic group showed only mild, transient changes, suggesting reduced tissue trauma. The higher glycemic levels observed in the open surgery group further suggest increased tissue trauma and systemic stress, reinforcing the conclusion that laparoscopy has a lower metabolic impact. Although the laparoscopic procedures require more time, their lower physiological impact may facilitate improved postoperative recovery. These results support laparoscopy as the preferred surgical approach in veterinary practice due to its association with improved metabolic stability and recovery outcomes.