University of Queensland vets are among the first in Australia to perform keyhole surgery on dogs.
Dr David Burgess, Surgical Registrar with UQ’s School of Veterinary Science, said while a common surgical procedure for humans, keyhole surgery for pets is a relatively new area.
“Laparoscopy is a rapidly advancing field in veterinary surgery with diagnostic and surgical applications providing an alternative to traditional, more invasive procedures,” Dr Burgess said.
Dr Burgess said keyhole surgery had been used by vets in Australia for many years, but mainly in commercial animals like sheep, and the step to dogs is a great advance in treating the beloved family pet.
“Utilising our dedicated laparoscopic tower and Harmonic (ultrasonic) Scalpel, we allow our patients to benefit from reduced tissue trauma, reduced postoperative pain and shorter recovery periods,” he said.
He said vet students at UQ would also be introduced to the technique, producing new generations of vets who are among the first in Australia to experience the procedure.
“This is part of the UQ’s Vet School’s continuing program to teach our student the latest techniques and expose them to innovative technologies,” he said.
Dr Burgess said the procedures currently available include, but are not limited to, ovariohystectomies, cryptorchid castrations and biopsies, as well as a procedure to prevent bloat in deep-chested dogs.
Media inquiries: Dr David Burgess (07 3346 3625) or Andrew Dunne at UQ Communications (07 3365 2802 or 0433 364 181).
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