Ovarian remnant syndrome in dogs and cats: 21 cases (2000-2007).
OBJECTIVE
To describe signalment, clinical findings, diagnostic tests, and results of treatment of dogs and cats with ovarian remnant syndrome (ORS).


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


METHODS
19 dogs and 2 cats with ORS.


METHODS
Medical records for animals examined between June 2000 and October 2007 were reviewed for signalment, clinical signs, age at time of ovariohysterectomy (OHE), surgical findings during OHE, experience of the surgeon (veterinary student vs veterinarian), interval from OHE until diagnosis of ORS, results of diagnostic tests, surgical findings, and results of histologic examination of excised tissues.


RESULTS
21 animals (19 dogs and 2 cats) with ORS were identified. The most common clinical signs were those associated with proestrus and estrus. More dogs than cats were affected, and all residual ovarian tissues were found in the region of the ovarian pedicles. The right ovary in dogs was affected significantly more often than the left ovary. Seven animals had neoplasms of the reproductive system. These animals had a significantly longer interval between OHE and diagnosis of ORS than did the 14 animals without neoplasms. Long-term follow-up of 18 animals revealed resolution of clinical signs following exploratory laparotomy.


CONCLUSIONS
Ovarian remnants were found in typical locations for ovaries and were not considered ectopic tissue; thus, surgical error during OHE was suspected as the cause of ORS. Anatomic differences may account for differences between species, and clinical signs may not be recognized until years after OHE. Surgical removal of residual ovarian tissue resulted in resolution of clinical signs.
Ball
Rebecca L
RL
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. ball.154@osu.edu
Birchard
Stephen J
SJ
May
Lauren R
LR
Threlfall
Walter R
WR
Young
Gregory S
GS
D000818:Animals; D002415:Cats / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs / Q000601:surgery*; D004971:Estrus / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D019300:Medical Errors; D010052:Ovariectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000662:veterinary*; D010053:Ovary / Q000502:physiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies