Ovariohysterectomy vs Ovariectomy: How Do They Differ for Dog Spaying?

ImmunityQ&AMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

Spaying female dogs can be done in two ways: removing the uterus along with the ovaries, or removing only the ovaries. Here’s a breakdown of the differences between the two methods and how to choose the best option for your dog.

Dog Spaying Surgery Comparison: A Quick Overview

Illustration comparing the two methods of neutering surgery for dogs

Choosing between an ovariohysterectomy (OHE), which removes the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus, and an ovariectomy (OE), which removes only the ovaries, is a key decision for dog owners considering spaying. Textbooks define OHE as the removal of the ovaries and uterus (including the cervix), while OE refers to the removal of the ovaries alone. The core consideration is balancing the risk of uterine disease against incision size. In particular, if uterine issues are suspected or if there are existing conditions affecting the ovaries or uterus, OHE is the standard approach. Regardless of the chosen method, it is most important to first assess the condition of the uterus via ultrasound before surgery.

What Are the Differences Between the Two Surgeries?

OHE is the traditional method that removes both ovaries, the fallopian tubes, and the entire uterus. It is the most widely used standard procedure in veterinary clinics across Korea. In contrast, OE involves removing only the ovaries while leaving the uterus intact. This approach is becoming increasingly common in Europe and in some clinics in Korea recently. According to veterinary surgery textbooks, both methods offer the same core benefits: stopping heat cycles, preventing unwanted pregnancies, and reducing the risk of mammary tumors. The key difference lies in whether it is safe to leave the uterus in place.

Comparison Table: Ovariohysterectomy vs Ovariectomy

Item	Ovariohysterectomy (OHE)	Ovariectomy (OE)
Removed structures	Ovaries + oviducts + uterus	Ovaries only
Incision size	Medium to large	Small
Surgery time	Relatively long	Short
Recovery period	Relatively long	Relatively short
Pyometra risk	None (uterus removed)	Reduced due to loss of estrus hormones, but not zero since the uterus remains — preoperative ultrasound confirmation needed
Mammary tumor prevention	Same	Same
Laparoscopic application	Depends on surgical equipment and surgeon's skill	Depends on surgical equipment and surgeon's skill

Based on general principles from veterinary textbooks on ovarian/uterine removal surgery. Actual application varies with preoperative test results and the attending veterinarian's judgment.

Why Are Only the Ovaries Removed in Europe?

In some parts of Europe, the trend toward removing only the ovaries is linked to efforts to minimize surgical incisions. Removing the ovaries prevents estrus and pregnancy, as well as issues related to estrus hormones. Textbooks explain that pyometra primarily occurs in intact females under the influence of estrus hormones (progesterone) and becomes more common with age. However, there is insufficient evidence to definitively claim that ovarianectomy (OE), which leaves the uterus intact, completely eliminates the risk of uterine disease. While smaller incisions tend to reduce pain and recovery burden, OE is not indicated if there are already lesions in the uterus. Therefore, preoperative ultrasound examination is essential regardless of the surgical approach chosen.

A veterinarian performing laparoscopic neutering surgery

In These Cases, OHE Is Mandatory

If preoperative ultrasound reveals a thickened uterine wall, cysts, or purulent accumulation, or if pyometra is already suspected, an ovariohysterectomy (OHE) that removes the entire uterus is the standard of care. Additionally, for middle-aged or older dogs that have experienced multiple heat cycles, the risk of uterine disease is higher, so OHE is often recommended. Your veterinarian will make this determination based on the ultrasound findings, so be sure to have the preoperative test results explained to you in detail.

How Do Recovery Time and Care Differ?

The smaller the surgical scope, the less demanding the recovery tends to be. In general: - OHE recovery: Because the incision is wider and the surgical scope is larger, veterinary textbooks note that wound healing is slower and recovery takes more time. Normal activity can resume after suture removal. - OE recovery: Since only the ovaries are removed while the uterus is retained, the smaller incision size may result in a relatively lighter recovery burden. - Common care: An Elizabethan collar is essential, exercise such as walking should be restricted, and the surgical site must be kept from being licked. In both cases, postoperative hormonal changes increase the risk of obesity. Since weight can gain rapidly, it is important to reduce calorie intake and consistently manage diet under veterinary guidance.

A puppy wearing a recovery cone after neutering surgery

Which Method Is Right for Your Dog?

Here’s how to summarize the selection criteria: - Healthy young puppies (6–12 months): Both OE and OHE are options — the decision depends on the clinic’s expertise and the veterinarian’s judgment. - Middle-aged or older dogs, or those who have experienced multiple heat cycles: Due to an increased risk of uterine disease, OHE is recommended. - Suspected uterine pathology: OHE is essential. - When minimizing incisions is a priority: OE, which leaves the uterus intact, may be considered, but consultation with your veterinarian is mandatory. The most important factor is your veterinarian’s experience with the procedure. It’s better to safely undergo a technique they are familiar with than to insist on an unfamiliar approach.

Be Sure to Check These 3 Things Before Surgery

① Whether preoperative blood tests and abdominal ultrasound were performed to assess the condition of the uterus and ovaries ② Whether the attending veterinarian has sufficient experience with the chosen surgical procedure (OHE or OE) ③ Whether pre-anesthetic cardiac and renal function tests are included. Choosing a clinic based solely on low cost may make it difficult to handle emergencies. Also, ask in advance whether the clinic can switch from an OE to an OHE if unexpected findings arise during surgery.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

If only the ovaries are removed, is there a risk of developing pyometra later on?

Removing the ovaries eliminates the influence of progesterone, the primary hormonal trigger for pyometra, thereby reducing the risk of the condition. However, if the uterus is left in place, the risk is not entirely eliminated to zero, so it is important to confirm that the uterus is healthy via ultrasound before surgery. An ovariohysterectomy (OHE), which removes both the ovaries and the uterus, is a definitive method that completely eliminates the risk of pyometra.

Which surgery is more expensive?

Costs vary by clinic. Generally, ovariectomy (OE) tends to be slightly less expensive due to smaller incisions and shorter operation times, but laparoscopic procedures may end up costing more because of additional equipment fees. For the most accurate information, it’s best to contact the cli

Is it possible to perform a surgery that removes only the ovaries in Korea?

Yes, the number of cases is gradually increasing. However, since ovariohysterectomy (OHE) is still the mainstream approach, it’s a good idea to find a clinic experienced in ovariectomy (OE) in advance. This procedure is mainly performed at clinics specializing in laparosc

Does my pet's personality change after surgery?

Since both methods involve the removal of the ovaries, the resulting hormonal changes are the same. While aggression and anxiety associated with heat cycles may decrease, your pet’s core personality will remain largely unchanged. Increased appetite and reduced activity levels are common side effects in both cases.

Is surgery possible during estrus?

It’s possible, but not recommended. During estrus, the reproductive and mammary tissues become more vascular, increasing the risk of bleeding, and the uterus becomes more fragile, raising the risk of tearing during surgery and making the procedure more difficult. The safest time for surgery is after estrus ends, during the anestrus (resting) phase when the body has stabilized.

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References

[1] Fossum TW et al., Small Animal Surgery, 5th Edition, Chapter 26: Surgery of the Reproductive and Genital Systems

[2] Johnston SD et al., Canine and Feline Theriogenology, Chapter: Elective Sterilization

[3] DeTora M, McCarthy RJ., Ovariohysterectomy versus Ovariectomy for Elective Sterilization of Female Dogs and Cats, JAVMA 2011