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24 March 2026

Effects of Laparoscopic and Open Ovariectomy on Cortisol and Oxidative Stress in Dogs Under the Same Anesthesia Protocol

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Dr. L. Kriaučeliūnas Small Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary, Veterinary Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės Str. 18, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania
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Institute of Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukilėlių Ave 15, 50162 Kaunas, Lithuania
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Department of Animal Breeding, Faculty of Animal Sciences, Veterinary Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės Str. 18, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania
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Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary, Veterinary Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės Str. 18, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania
Vet. Sci.2026, 13(4), 310;https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13040310 
(registering DOI)
This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Approaches in the Perioperative Management of Companion Animals and Livestock

Simple Summary

Laparoscopic and open ovariectomy have been widely compared. Although laparoscopic surgery is associated with a lower rate of intraoperative and postoperative complications, its systemic effects, particularly those related to pneumoperitoneum, remain insufficiently understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of laparoscopic and open ovariectomy on plasma cortisol levels, oxidative stress, and cardiorespiratory parameters. The results of the current study suggest that laparoscopic ovariectomy is less traumatic and painful than open ovariectomy. However, the postoperative alterations in oxidative stress indicate that certain components of the stress response following laparoscopic and open procedures may be similar. In addition, the increased end-tidal CO2 observed at the end of laparoscopic ovariectomy suggests altered respiratory dynamics, potentially related to pneumoperitoneum and anesthesia management. The observed increases in cortisol levels and oxidative stress during open ovariectomy suggest a pronounced stress response, potentially related to anesthetic management. In conclusion, laparoscopic ovariectomy may be preferred due to its lower stress response. However, a thorough understanding of the systemic effects of pneumoperitoneum is essential for adequate perioperative management.

Abstract

The main distinction between open and laparoscopic ovariectomy (OVE) is pneumoperitoneum (PNP) and anesthesia management. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of laparoscopic and open OVE on plasma cortisol, oxidative stress (OS), and cardiorespiratory parameters in dogs under the same anesthesia protocol. Twenty healthy female dogs were assigned to laparotomy OVE (LPTOVE, n = 10) and laparoscopic OVE (LAPOVE, n = 10) groups. OS was assessed using the total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), and oxidative stress index (OSI). Blood samples were collected prior to sedation (T0); prior to surgical incision (T1); prior to surgical closure in the LPTOVE group; and prior to the deflation of CO2 in the LAPOVE group (T2), 2 h after the surgery (T3). The monitored cardiorespiratory parameters were heart rate, respiratory rate, and end-tidal CO2 (EtCO2). Cortisol levels at T3 were markedly elevated in the LPTOVE group compared to the LAPOVE group. No substantial changes in TOS, TAS, or OSI between groups were detected. In the LAPOVE group, TOS diminished at T2, but TAS declined and OSI escalated at T3. EtCO2 levels were elevated in the LAPOVE group at the end of the procedure. These findings support laparoscopic OVE as a less traumatic alternative to open surgery, with careful management of PNP and anesthesia recommended to minimize postoperative stress.

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