Ask Dr. Paola- Help! We Are Considering Ovary-Sparing Surgery! (April 27, 2026)

Welcome to our "Ask Dr. Paola" series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our readers better understand their dog's health and well-being.

Whether you're a new pet parent or a seasoned dog lover, Dr. Paola is here to provide answers to your most pressing questions. From nutrition tips and preventive care to troubleshooting common behavioral issues, Dr. Paola is ready to offer insights that will keep your furry friend happy and healthy. Stay tuned for expert guidance on a range of topics that matter most to you and your dog, so you can make informed decisions and provide the best possible care for your canine companion. ‎Have‎ a ‎question? Send it in here!

Help! We Are Considering OSS Surgery!

“Stella is a 5-year-old golden retriever. She has had several litters; the last one required a C-section. We’re seriously considering OSS surgery. Wondering about pros and cons."  - Sussanne

Hello Sussanne.

Ovary-sparing spay, often abbreviated as OSS, is a procedure where the uterus is removed but one or both ovaries are left in place. For a dog like Stella, who has already had multiple litters and required a cesarean section, this option is sometimes considered to preserve natural hormone production. Those hormones can support bone density, joint health, and may reduce the risk of certain orthopedic conditions, which is especially relevant in larger breeds like Golden Retrievers. Some evidence also suggests potential behavioral stability compared to traditional spaying, since estrogen continues to play its normal role.

However, OSS is not without important considerations. Because the ovaries remain, Stella will continue to cycle hormonally, meaning she may still show heat-related behaviors such as attracting male dogs, even though she cannot become pregnant. There is also a small but real risk of ovarian-related conditions, including cysts or tumors later in life. Additionally, while removing the uterus eliminates the risk of pyometra, it does not eliminate hormone-driven conditions like mammary tumors, and the timing of surgery relative to previous cycles still matters in risk reduction. Given her history of cesarean surgery, there may also be abdominal adhesions that could make any additional surgery more technically demanding.

In practical terms, OSS can be a thoughtful option in selected cases, but it requires a committed owner who can manage ongoing hormonal cycles and understands the long-term monitoring involved. A thorough discussion with a surgeon experienced in OSS, ideally one comfortable managing post-reproductive patients with prior abdominal surgery, will help determine if this approach aligns with Stella’s overall health and your expectations for her future care. Sincerely,

- Dr. Paola

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Help! My Dog Has Bright Pink Lips!

“My dog paws at his lips often after eating or drinking, and other times. It’s as if it hurts or burns. He’s fairly gentle when he does this. The vet gave him a cortisone shot, but it showed zero noticeable help. His lips look bright pink. I clean his bowls and water often. What can I do?" - Terri

Dear Terri,

What you are describing often points to discomfort around the lips or oral cavity, much like when we have a mild burn or irritation and instinctively touch the area. In dogs, repeated pawing at the mouth after eating or drinking can be associated with oral inflammation such as gingivitis, early periodontal disease, or even something as simple as food trapping along the gumline. Bright pink lips suggest increased blood flow to the area, which is consistent with inflammation. Another possibility to consider is contact irritation or hypersensitivity, especially if bowls are plastic or certain foods trigger a localized reaction, although the lack of response to a cortisone injection makes a purely allergic cause less likely.

It would be very worthwhile to take a closer look inside the mouth under good lighting, ideally with your veterinarian, to assess the teeth, gums, and inner lip surfaces for subtle lesions, foreign material, or areas of pain. Some dogs also develop conditions like lip fold dermatitis or localized infections where moisture and bacteria accumulate, particularly after drinking. Switching to stainless steel or ceramic bowls, if not already using them, is a simple step that can reduce contact irritation. If the behavior persists, a dental evaluation, sometimes including sedation for a thorough oral exam and possibly dental imaging, becomes important, as early oral disease can be easy to miss but uncomfortable enough to trigger this repeated pawing behavior. I hope this helps!

- Dr. Paola