Pet-owner perceptions of laparoscopy in an urban hybrid veterinary practice.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate owner perceptions of laparoscopic surgery, including attitudes towards paying more for minimally invasive surgery (MIS). STUDY DESIGN: Randomized cross-sectional prospective survey. SAMPLE POPULATION: One hundred owners presenting at a combined general and specialty practice. METHODS: Participants were interviewed using a survey tool to assess prior knowledge of laparoscopic procedures, attitude for or against these procedures, reasons for this attitude, and whether they would pay more for the procedures. Demographic data were collected. RESULTS: Fifty-five percent of owners had previous knowledge of laparoscopy. Ninety-two percent of owners would choose laparoscopy over an open procedure for their pet. Reasons given for preferring laparoscopy: less postoperative pain (66.3%), shorter length of hospitalization (26.1%), better cosmesis (20.1%), perception of lower cost (15.2%), faster return to function (14.1%), length of anesthesia (5.4%), and other reasons (26.1%). Ninety-one percent of owners were willing to pay more for MIS. Among owners who indicated they would be willing to pay more, owners presenting with dogs were 2.5 times more likely to be willing to pay at least $1000 more than owners presenting with cats. CONCLUSION: The majority of owners surveyed at a large hybrid hospital in an urban setting choose laparoscopic over open procedures and were willing to pay more for them. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The results highlight the importance of client and veterinarian education regarding the options of MIS for pets, as owners who are informed may prefer referral for the procedures. The financial investment to build a MIS practice may be justified.