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Ovarian Remnant Syndrome
Ovarian remnant syndrome occurs when a spayed female pet shows signs of heat, indicating residual ovarian tissue is producing estrogen. This requires surgical removal.
Key Facts
- Suspected when spayed females display heat behaviors (impossible after proper spaying)
- Dogs in heat: vaginal discharge (bloody then straw-colored), attraction to males, 3-week cycle
- Cats in heat: restlessness, loud vocalization, inappropriate urination, rear-raising posture
- Diagnosis: vaginal smear (preferred for dogs), blood hormone testing, LH or SpayChek test
- Some females have accessory ovarian tissue separate from main ovaries
- Ovarian cells can adhere to abdominal wall and grow into functional ovarian tissue
- Surgery to remove remnant is best performed just after a heat cycle (corpora lutea are most visible)
- Ongoing estrogen exposure promotes mammary cancer and stump pyometra
- Estrogen-containing human topical creams can also cause heat signs in pets
- Species: dogs and cats