Using complete blood count‐derived inflammatory markers to compare postoperative inflammation in dogs undergoing open or laparoscopic ovariectomy

Background The inflammatory response triggered in dogs after laparoscopic ovariectomy (LapOV) or ovariectomy through mini‐celiotomy (COV) has never been compared using the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and systemic inflammatory index (SII). Methods Bitches underwent LapOV (n = 25) or COV (n = 25). NLR, PLR and SII were calculated 1 hour before ovariectomy (T0) and 2−3, 6−8 and 20−24 hours (T1−T3) after surgery. Results Surgical time was longer in the LapOV group. Changes over time were observed in the NLR, PLR and SII in both groups (p < 0.001). PLR at baseline and T1 (p = 0.03 and 0.01) and NLR, PLR and SII at T2 (p = 0.01, 0.01 and 0.009) were higher in the LapOV group than in the COV group, but they did not differ at T3. Limitations The overrepresentation of Greyhounds in the LapOV group and the short‐term follow‐up are the study's main limitations. Conclusion Although an inflammatory peak was observed 6−8 hours after COV or LapOV, it was higher after the laparoscopy. However, there was no difference in the bitches' inflammatory status 24 hours after surgery.