Abstract:
OBJECTIVE : To describe laparoscopic ovariectomy and salpingectomy in the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) using single-incision
laparoscopic surgery (SILS).
STUDY DESIGN : Prospective cohort.
ANIMALS : Female cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) ( n ¼ 21).
METHODS : Cheetahs were randomly divided to receive either ovariectomy (n ¼ 11) or salpingectomy (n ¼ 10). The use and
complications of a SILS port was evaluated in all of cheetahs. Surgery duration and insufflation volumes of carbon dioxide
(CO2) were recorded and compared across procedures.
RESULTS : Laparoscopic ovariectomy and salpingectomy were performed without complications using a SILS port. The
poorly-developed mesosalpinx and ovarian bursa facilitated access to the uterine tube for salpingectomy in the cheetah. The
median surgery duration for ovariectomy was 24 minutes (interquartile range 3) and for salpingectomy was 19.5 minutes
(interquartile range 3) (P ¼.005). The median volume of CO2 used for ovariectomy was 11.25 L (interquartile range
3.08) and for salpingectomy was 4.90 L (interquartile range 2.52), (P ¼.001)
CONCLUSIONS : Laparoscopic ovariectomy and salpingectomy can be performed in the cheetah using SILS without perioperative
complications. Salpingectomy is faster than ovariectomy and requires less total CO2 for insufflation.
