Ovariectomy and Ovariohysterectomy

Abstract

There are numerous indications to neuter a female dog or cat. These include eliminating pregnancy, the nuisance of proestrus (or spotting) in dogs, undesirable behaviors during estrus, decreasing the incidence of neoplasia, cystic endometrial hyperplasia, and pyometra. Neutering early in life has been shown to significantly decrease the risk of developing mammary tumors in dogs and cats. Regarding ovarian remnant syndrome, ovariectomy (OVE) may allow incisions to be made more cranially, allowing better visualization of the ovary and hence less chance of leaving ovarian remnants. Long-term complications including urinary sphincter mechanism incontinence and weight gain are similar in both OVE and ovariohysterectomy (OVH). Urinary incontinence after OVH can be caused by adhesions or granulomas of the uterine stump that interfere with urinary bladder sphincter function. Intestinal pathology has been associated with OVH in dogs and cats, mostly because of entrapment and adhesions.