Keyhole Spay & Surgery

Give your pet the most comfortable spay experience

Just as keyhole surgery has advantages in humans, the same opportunity now exists for our pets. Keyhole surgery is minimally invasive surgery involving passing a camera and specialised instruments through tiny incisions in the body wall.

We are proud to be one of only a few vets in the Canterbury, Dover and Thanet area to be able to provide this innovative service for both dogs and cats across Kent.

Now available for referrals from other practices

We are pleased to be able to take referrals for keyhole surgeries and spays from practices in the Canterbury area and across Kent, if you are interested in your pet having a keyhole procedure please complete our referral form.

Contact us to book

What are the benefits of a keyhole spay?

  • Less painful after surgery, studies show that pain is reduced by 60%
  • Smaller incisions of around 1cm compared to up to 15cm for a traditional spay
  • Much faster recovery time, normal activity can be resumed after just 3 days
  • No external stitches to chew
  • Faster healing times
  • Greatly reduced chance of post operative complications
  • Clearer view and magnification for the surgeon

How is a keyhole spay performed?

Due to the positioning of the instruments, a large clip area is required on both sides and the abdomen to ensure the area is aseptic. The operation is performed through two small incisions 0.5-1.2cm (compared to 6-15cm for traditional bitch spays).

The camera (laparoscope) is placed through one incision, and slender instruments through the other. The surgeon can then visualise the ovaries on the screen and remove them. We use the same high performance Storz equipment which is found in human medicine.

Cautery is used to stop blood flow to the ovary and scissors can then cut the ovarian ligament. The small incisions are then closed with absorbable stitches under the skin, and sealed with tissue glue.

During a keyhole spay both ovaries are removed and studies confirm that leaving a normal healthy uterus behind causes no issues long term.

Contact us to book

Traditional Spay vs Keyhole Spay,
What’s the Difference?

Traditional Spay Keyhole Spay
Larger abdominal incision Two or three very small incisions
Ovaries removed through open surgery Ovaries removed using a camera and specialist instruments
More tissue handling Minimal tissue handling
More post-operative discomfort Significantly reduced pain
Longer recovery time Faster recovery and return to normal activity
Visible stitches, often external Tiny wounds, usually internal stitches only
Tried and tested procedure Advanced, minimally invasive technique

How long does the operation take?

Surgical time depends on the patient, but is usually around 1 hour. Patients recovery quickly and go home the same day.

When can the procedure take place?

We advise that most bitches are spayed 3-4 months after their first season. For adult bitches we recommend the procedure takes place 3-4 months after a season.

Does my pet require pain relief at home?

Not usually - another advantage of keyhole is that the wounds are so small most animals get a 24 hour injection of pain relief on the day of the surgery, and do not require any pain relief after this.

Keyhole spay referral

You don't need to be a member of Beacon View to benefit from our keyhole facilities. We are pleased to be able to take referrals for keyhole surgeries and spays.

If you would like to book, or would like more information from one of the team please complete the form below and we will be in touch.

What is keyhole spay surgery for dogs and cats?

A Keyhole spay (also called a laparoscopic spay) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to spay female dogs and cats. Unlike traditional surgery which requires a 6-15cm incision, keyhole spay uses just two tiny incisions of 0.5-1.2cm. A camera and specialised instruments are passed through these small openings to remove the ovaries, resulting in significantly less pain and faster recovery for your pet.

How much does keyhole spay cost in Kent?

A keyhole spay typically costs more than a traditional spay due to the specialised equipment and advanced surgical skills required. However, many pet owners in Deal, Dover, and Sandwich find the benefits including 60% less pain, faster recovery (just 3 days vs 10-14 days), and reduced complications make it worthwhile.

Where can I get keyhole spay surgery near Thanet, Deal, Dover and Sandwich?

Beacon View Vets in Eastry, Sandwich offer keyhole surgery for both dogs and cats, serving pet owners across East Kent including Deal, Dover, Canterbury, and Thanet. We are one of only a few veterinary practices in the Canterbury and Thanet area with the advanced Storz laparoscopic equipment needed to perform this minimally invasive procedure. We're just a 10-minute drive from Deal and easily accessible from Dover via the A256.

Is a keyhole spay better than a traditional spay?

A keyhole spay offers several advantages over traditional spay surgery. Studies show 60% less post-operative pain, much smaller incisions (1cm vs up to 15cm), faster recovery allowing normal activity after just 3 days, no external stitches to worry about, and greatly reduced risk of complications. The surgeon also benefits from magnified views of the surgical area. While traditional spay is still a safe and effective procedure, many pet owners choose keyhole spay for the improved comfort and faster recovery.

What age should my dog or cat be for keyhole spay?

For most bitches (female dogs), we recommend a keyhole spay at 3-4 months after their first season. For adult dogs, the procedure should take place 3-4 months after a season. The timing is important to ensure the best surgical outcomes. During your pre-surgical consultation at our Sandwich practice, our experienced team can advise on the optimal timing for your individual pet.

How long is recovery after keyhole spay?

Recovery from keyhole spay is remarkably quick and most dogs and cats can resume normal activity after just 3 days, compared to 10-14 days for traditional spay. Your pet will go home the same day as surgery, and most don't require any pain relief medication at home beyond the 24-hour injection given on the day of surgery. Because there are no external stitches and the wounds are so small, most pets don't even need to wear a cone.

Can my cat have keyhole spay surgery?

Yes! Beacon View Vets offers keyhole surgery for both cats and dogs. As an ISFM Gold Cat Friendly accredited practice, we provide thoughtful care for cats. A keyhole spay is particularly beneficial for cats as the minimal invasiveness means less stress, a faster recovery, and a reduced risk of your cat interfering with a surgical wound. The tiny incisions are sealed with tissue glue, so there are no stitches for your cat to chew or pull.

Do I need a referral for keyhole spay at Beacon View Vets?

No referral is necessary if you'd like to register your pet with Beacon View Vets for keyhole spay surgery. However, we're also pleased to accept referrals from other veterinary practices across Kent and the Canterbury area. We welcome patients from Deal, Dover, Sandwich, Walmer, Ash, and throughout East Kent. Please contact our team for help with your referral.

What equipment do you use for keyhole spay surgery?

At Beacon View Vets, we use the same high-performance Storz laparoscopic equipment that is found in human hospitals. This advanced technology provides exceptional magnification and clarity, allowing our experienced surgeons to perform the procedure with precision through tiny incisions. We're proud to be one of the few independent veterinary practices in East Kent with this specialised equipment.