Introduction

• Excision of ovaries and uterus - normally performed simultaneously.

Uses

Elective

• Prevention of estrus.
• Control of breeding by sterilization.
• Prophylaxis of mammary neoplasia  Mammary gland: neoplasia (Overley et al, 2005).

Ovarian disease

• Neoplasia (rare).
• Abnormal estral cycles Prolonged/persistent estrus.

Uterine disease - nongravid

• Pyometra/cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) Pyometra.
• Acute metritis Acute metritis.

Uterine disease - gravid

• Prolapse Uterine prolapse.
• Torsion.
• Rupture.
• Fetal death/mummification/maceration/dystocia Dystocia: fetal.

Vaginal disease

• Hyperplasia/prolapse (rare).
• Benign vaginal tumors (rare) Vaginal neoplasia.

Mammary gland disease

• Mammary fibroadenomatous hyperplasia Mammary hyperplasia (together with aglepristone Aglepristone).

Disadvantages

Requirements

Preparation

Procedure

Aftercare

Outcomes

Prognosis

• Good when electively performed in healthy animal.

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
• Watts J (2018) The use of bipolar electrosurgical forceps for haemostasis in open surgical ovariectomy of bitches and queens and castration of dogs. JSAP 59, 465-473 PubMed.
• Sundburg C R, Belanger J M, Bannasch D L et al (2016) Gonadectomy effects on the risk of immune disorders in the dog: a retrospective study. BMC Vet Res 12 (1), 278 PubMed.
• Leitch B J, Bray J P, Kim N J et al (2012) Pedicle ligation in ovariohysterectomy: an in vitro study of ligation techniques. JSAP 53 (10), 592-598 PubMed.
• Little S (2011) Feline Reproduction: problems and clinical challenges. J Fel Med Surg 13 (7), 508-515 PubMed.
• Ball R L, Birchard S J, May L R et al (2010) Ovarian remnant syndrome in dogs and cats: 21 cases (2000-2007). JAVMA 236 (5), 548-553 PubMed.
• Burrow R, Wawra E, Pinchbeck G et al (2006) Prospective evaluation of postoperative pain in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy by a midline or flank approach. Vet Rec 158 (19), 657-660 PubMed.
• Overley B, Shofer F S, Goldschmidt M H et al (2005) Association between ovariohysterectomy and feline mammary carcinoma. J Vet Intern Med 19 (4), 560-563 VetMedResource.
• Al-Gizawiy M M & Rudé P E (2004) Comparison of preoperative carprofen and postoperative butorphanol as postsurgical analgesics in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Vet Anaesth Analg 31 (3), 164-174 PubMed.
• McGrath H, Hardie R J, Davis E (2004) Lateral flank approach for ovariohysterectomy in small animals. Comp Contin Educ Pract Vet 26 (12), 922-30 VetMedResource.
• Slingsby L S & Waterman-Earson A E (2002) Comparison between meloxicam and carprofen for postoperative analgesia after feline ovariohysterectomy. JSAP 43 (7), 286-289 PubMed.
• Coolman B R, Marretta S M, Dudley M B et al (1999) Partial colonic obstruction following ovariohysterectomy: a report of three cases. JAAHA 35 (2), 169-172 PubMed.
• Kustritz M V (1999) Early spay-neuter in the dog and cat. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 29 (4), 935-943 PubMed.
• Slingsby L S, Lane E C, Mears E R et al (1998) Post-operative pain after ovariohysterectomy in the cat: a comparison of two anaesthetic regimens. Vet Rec 143 (21), 589-590 PubMed.
• Slingsby L S, Waterman-Pearson A E (1998) Comparison of pethidine, buprenorphine and ketoprofen for post-operative analgesia after ovariohysterectomy in the cat. Vet Rec 143 (7), 185-189 VetMedResource.
• Howe L M (1997) Short-term results and complications of prepubertal gonadectomy in cats and dogs. JAVMA 211 (1), 57-62 PubMed.
• Pollari F L, Bonnet B N, Bamsey S C et al (1996) Post-operative complications of elective surgeries in dogs and cats determined by examining electronic and paper medical records. JAVMA 208 (11), 1882-1886 VetMedResource.
• Smith M C, Davies N L (1996) Obstipation following ovariohysterectomy in a cat. Vet Rec 138 (7), 163 PubMed.
• Miller D M (1995) Ovarian remnant syndrome in dogs and cats: 46 cases (1988-1992). J Vet Diagn Invest 7 (4), 572-574 PubMed.
• Wallace M S (1991) The ovarian remnant syndrome in the bitch and queen. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 21 (3), 501-507 PubMed.

Other sources of information

• Fingland R B, Waldron D R (2014) Ovariohysterectomy.  In: Current Techniques in Small Animal Surgery. 5th edn. Ed M J Bojrab. Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins.
• Langley-Hobbs S J (2014) Female genital tract. In: Feline Soft Tissue and General Surgery. Langley-Hobbs S J, Demetriou J L, Ladlow J F (eds). Philadelphia, Elsevier Saunders. pp 458-463.
• Fransson A B (2012) Ovaries and uterus. In: Veterinary Surgery Small Animal. 1st edn. Tobias K M & Johnston S A (eds). Philadelphia, Elsevier Saunders. pp 5657-5737.
• Tobias K M (2010) Ovariohysterectomy. In: Manual of Small Animal Soft Tissue Surgery. Hoboken, Wiley-Blackwell. pp 241-254.
• Hedlund C S (2007) Surgery of the Reproductive and Genital Systems. In: Small Animal Surgery. 3rd edn. Fossum T W (ed), St Louis, Mosby Elsevier. pp 702-774.