Ovariectomy Vs Ovariohysterectomy: Should the Uterus Stay or Should it Go?

Overview
There has been a long lasting argument regarding whether or not the uterus should be removed during gonadectomy in female patients. In the USA, the preferred method is performing OVH, whereas in most European countries, the OVE is the preferred method. In the USA, there has been a recent greater push to switch to the OVE procedure; however, much resistance is still present. So why is that? With a quick search of the Veterinary Information Network, you can quickly determine the strong feelings present for one procedure versus the other. Some are founded on experience, and some are founded on misinformation. In most veterinary educational programs in the USA, the OVH procedure is taught primarily. Most recently, with the increased use of minimally invasive surgical techniques, laparoscopic OVE has gained popularity, bringing up the discussion once again. At this time there are few randomized studies comparing complications after OVE and OVH. Based on the evidence that is currently available in the veterinary literature, there is no support for any benefit and therefore no indication for removing the uterus during routine neutering of healthy bitches. [...]