This is the first of four videos on some of the common concerns with the ovariohysterectomy procedure.
The suspensory ligament is attached to the ovary and extends cranially. As it approaches the body wall, it fans out and attaches to, or merges with the fascia of the body wall, just behind the 13th rib. It is notoriously difficult to break making this one of the most difficult and uncomfortable steps of the spay surgery, especially for inexperienced veterinarians.
Some key points to disrupting this ligament include: place caudal, not just ventral, traction on the ovary as this will make the ligament taught. Run your finger over the ligament several times ensuring that no other tissues are draped over it before breaking it. Work close to the body wall (not the ovary) to break the ligament. Place (significant) digital pressure on the ligament until it pulls away from the body wall.
Watch the video as there are several examples of suspensory ligaments being broken.
