PRESS RELEASE — CLINIC LAPAROSCOPY INSTALLATION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: VetOvation, +1 (844) 255-7297, [email protected], vetovation.com
Summary
VetOvation provides veterinary laparoscopic surgery equipment to animal hospitals and veterinary clinics across the globe. Hearthstone Animal Clinic in Houston, TX has partnered with VetOvation to install the Veterinary Laparoscopic Surgery System , bringing minimally invasive “keyhole” surgery to pets and pet owners in the Houston area.
Hearthstone Animal Clinic Now Offers Minimally Invasive Laparoscopic “Keyhole” Surgery for Pets After Partnering with VetOvation
Houston, TX — March 2026 — VetOvation, a veterinary laparoscopic surgery equipment provider, announces that Hearthstone Animal Clinic in Houston, TX has adopted the Veterinary Laparoscopic Surgery System platform. The installation brings minimally invasive “keyhole” surgery to Houston, allowing Hearthstone Animal Clinic to offer veterinary surgical procedures through tiny incisions with significantly less pain and faster recovery than traditional open surgery.
Laparoscopic surgery has been the standard of care in human medicine for decades and is now one of the fastest-growing areas in veterinary surgery.
What Is Veterinary Laparoscopic Surgery?
Veterinary laparoscopic surgery (also called laparoscopy, keyhole surgery, or minimally invasive surgery) is a surgical technique that uses a small camera and specialized instruments inserted through one or more tiny incisions (typically 5–12 mm) in the abdomen. The veterinary surgeon operates by viewing a magnified, high-definition image on a monitor. Because the incisions are much smaller than those used in traditional open surgery, laparoscopic surgery causes less tissue trauma, less postoperative pain, and faster recovery for pets.
Veterinary Laparoscopic Procedures Now Available at Hearthstone Animal Clinic
Pets treated at Hearthstone Animal Clinic now have access to the following laparoscopic surgical procedures:
Laparoscopic spay (ovariectomy / ovariohysterectomy) in dogs and cats — A minimally invasive alternative to traditional spay surgery. Peer-reviewed veterinary studies show laparoscopic spays result in up to 65% less postoperative pain compared to open spay surgery. Laparoscopic spay incisions are typically 5–10 mm compared to several centimeters for a traditional spay, and most pets return to normal activity within 24–48 hours.
Laparoscopic organ biopsy (liver biopsy, kidney biopsy, pancreatic biopsy, intestinal biopsy) in dogs and cats — Tissue biopsies of abdominal organs performed through tiny incisions for definitive histopathologic diagnosis. Laparoscopic biopsy avoids the large abdominal incision and prolonged recovery of traditional surgical biopsy, while providing larger, more diagnostic tissue samples than needle biopsy techniques.
Laparoscopic gastropexy for bloat prevention (GDV prevention) in dogs — A prophylactic stomach-tacking procedure to prevent gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV or bloat), a life-threatening emergency in large and giant breed dogs. Laparoscopic gastropexy can be performed through two small incisions and is often combined with a laparoscopic spay in a single anesthetic session.
Laparoscopic cryptorchid surgery (retained testicle removal) in dogs — Minimally invasive removal of undescended or retained testicles from the abdomen, replacing the large exploratory incision traditionally required for abdominal cryptorchid castration.
Laparoscopic adrenalectomy in dogs — Minimally invasive removal of adrenal gland tumors, reducing the surgical trauma and recovery time associated with traditional open adrenalectomy.
Laparoscopic abdominal exploration in dogs and cats — A minimally invasive alternative to full exploratory laparotomy. Laparoscopic exploration allows the veterinary surgeon to visualize abdominal organs, identify abnormalities, and collect samples with dramatically less tissue trauma than opening the entire abdomen.
Benefits of Veterinary Laparoscopic Surgery vs. Traditional Open Surgery
Veterinary laparoscopic surgery offers significant advantages over traditional open surgical techniques:
| Laparoscopic Surgery | Traditional Open Surgery | |
| Incision size | 5–12 mm (one or more small incisions) | Several centimeters (one large incision) |
| Postoperative pain | Up to 65% less pain (based on peer-reviewed studies) | Significant postoperative pain requiring more pain management |
| Recovery time | Most pets return to normal activity in 24–48 hours | Typically 10–14 days of restricted activity |
| Tissue trauma | Minimal — tiny incisions, gentle tissue handling | Greater — large incision, more tissue disruption |
| Visualization | Magnified, high-definition camera view | Direct visualization limited to incision area |
| Infection risk | Lower — smaller incisions, less exposed tissue | Higher — larger wound, more exposed tissue |
| Hospitalization | Most patients go home the same day | May require overnight or extended hospitalization |
Veterinary Laparoscopy Equipment and System Details — Powered by VetOvation
VetOvation provided Hearthstone Animal Clinic with the [Product/System Name] veterinary laparoscopic surgery system, which includes:
- High-definition veterinary laparoscopic camera and monitor for magnified surgical visualization
- Veterinary laparoscopic instrument set — trocars/cannulas, grasping forceps, scissors, dissectors, clip appliers, and specimen retrieval bags
- COâ‚‚ insufflation system for safe abdominal access and visualization
- Electrosurgery / vessel-sealing capability for safe tissue dissection and hemostasis
- Image and video recording for surgical documentation, medical records, and client education
VetOvation also provided Hearthstone Animal Clinic with comprehensive hands-on laparoscopic surgery training, proctored initial cases, ongoing technical support, and access to continuing education to ensure proficiency and confidence from the first case.
“[Customize quote — example: ‘Seeing Hearthstone Animal Clinic bring laparoscopic surgery to Houston is exactly why we do what we do. Their patients will experience less pain and faster recovery, and the practice now offers a level of surgical care that sets them apart.’]” — Les Meadowcroft, CEO at VetOvation
How Pet Owners Can Access Laparoscopic Surgery at Hearthstone Animal Clinic
Pet owners in Houston interested in laparoscopic surgery for their pet — including laparoscopic spay, preventive gastropexy, organ biopsy, or other minimally invasive procedures — are encouraged to contact Hearthstone Animal Clinic:
- Phone:Â +1 (281) 859-9244
- Website:Â www.hearthstonevet.com
- Address: 14606 FM 529 Road, Houston, Texas, 77095
Hearthstone Animal Clinic welcomes both existing clients and new patients. A referral from another veterinarian is not required.
Frequently Asked Questions About Veterinary Laparoscopic Surgery
What is a laparoscopic spay, and how is it different from a regular spay? A laparoscopic spay is a minimally invasive alternative to traditional spay surgery in dogs and cats. Instead of a large abdominal incision, the surgeon uses one or more tiny incisions (5–12 mm) and a camera to perform the procedure. Studies show laparoscopic spays cause up to 65% less pain, and most pets return to normal activity within 24–48 hours compared to 10–14 days for a traditional spay.
Is laparoscopic surgery safe for dogs and cats? Laparoscopic surgery is widely considered safe and has been performed in veterinary medicine for over two decades. As with any surgical procedure requiring general anesthesia, there are inherent risks, but the smaller incisions and reduced tissue trauma of laparoscopy are associated with fewer complications and faster recovery.
What is a laparoscopic gastropexy, and does my dog need one? A laparoscopic gastropexy is a preventive surgical procedure that tacks the stomach to the body wall to prevent gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), commonly known as bloat. GDV is a life-threatening emergency most common in large and giant breed dogs (Great Danes, German Shepherds, Standard Poodles, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Boxers, Dobermans, and others). Prophylactic gastropexy can be performed laparoscopically through two small incisions, often at the same time as a laparoscopic spay. Ask your veterinarian whether your dog is at risk.
How much does laparoscopic surgery cost for dogs and cats? The cost of veterinary laparoscopic surgery varies by procedure, patient, and geographic area. While laparoscopic procedures may have a higher upfront fee than traditional surgery, the reduced need for postoperative pain medication, faster recovery, and lower complication rates can offset the difference. Contact Hearthstone Animal Clinic directly for specific pricing.
How long is recovery after laparoscopic surgery for my pet? Recovery after laparoscopic surgery is significantly shorter than after traditional open surgery. Most pets go home the same day and return to normal activity within 24–48 hours. Your veterinarian will provide specific postoperative instructions based on the procedure performed.
About Hearthstone Animal Clinic
Hearthstone Animal Clinic is a full-service veterinary clinic located in Houston, TX. Founded in 1982, the practice serves the greater Houston area and offers wellness exams, surgery, dentistry, and now minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. Hearthstone Animal Clinic is now equipped with the Veterinary Laparoscopic Surgery System from VetOvation. For more information, visit www.hearthstonevet.com or call +1 (281) 859-9244.
About VetOvation
VetOvation is a veterinary medical device company specializing in minimally invasive endoscopy equipment and systems for veterinary practices. Headquartered in Raleigh, NC, VetOvation provides veterinary endoscopy systems, veterinary laparoscopy systems, training, and ongoing support to animal hospitals and veterinary clinics globally. VetOvation’s mission is to provide the highest quality, innovative equipment at an affordable price. Deliver industry leading clinical support & training, along with best-in-class customer service. For more information, visit vetovation.com or call +1 (844) 255-7297.
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