You are on page 1of 7

Topics in Companion An Med 43 (2021) 100511

Review Article

Ovarian Cysts in the Bitch: An Update


Jisna K. Sasidharan, BVSca, Manas K. Patra, MVSC, PhDa,*, Laishram Kipjen Singh, MVScb,
Abhishek C. Saxena, PhDc, Ujjwal K. De., PhDc, Vidya Singh, PhDd, Karikalan Mathesh, PhDd,
Harendra Kumar, PhDa, Narayanan Krishnaswamy, PhDe

Keywords: A B S T R A C T
ovary
follicular cyst Functional ovarian cysts occur as solitary or multiple fluid-filled structures of variable size that are unilateral
luteal cyst
or bilateral in the bitches of age 6-8 years. Though the pathogenesis is obscure, insufficient LH surge, intrafol-
canine
licular changes in gonadotrophin receptors and growth factors are the possible reasons behind the occur-
cystic endometrial hyperplasia-pyometra
rence of hormonally active ovarian cysts that predisposes the bitch to the development of cystic endometrial
a
hyperplasia-pyometra complex and occasionally hyper estrogenism. In the presence of suggestive signs,
Immunoreproduction Laboratory, Animal
ultrasonography is the practical imaging modality for the clinical diagnosis that can be confirmed by assay of
Reproduction Division, ICAR-Indian Veterinary
ovarian steroids and histopathology. Medical management with gonadotrophin-releasing hormone ana-
Research Institute, Izatnagar, U.P., India
b
logues and human chorionic gonadotrophin is not preferred as they are not always successful. As uterine
Animal Reproduction Gynaecology and
pathologies are highly likely by the time of diagnosis, ovariohysterectomy is the treatment of choice for the
Obstetrics Division, ICAR-National Dairy
follicular and luteal cysts. Understanding the cellular and molecular changes in the hypothalamo-hypophy-
Research Institute, Karnal, India
c
seal ovarian axis will improve our understanding on the canine ovarian cysts.
Referral Veterinary Polyclinic, ICAR-Indian
© 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, U.P.,
India
d
Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary
Research Institute, Izatnagar, U.P., India
e
ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute,
Hebbal, Bangaluru, India

Introduction in litter size.11 Predominant uterine histopathologies included cystic


endometrial hyperplasia (CEH), periglandular fibrosis, lymphoplasmo-
The domestic dog is a monocyclic species that ovulates several cytary endometritis, and adenomyosis (19.7%, 14.5%, 4.0%, and 2.6%,
oocytes and carries multiple offspring. In the bitch, ovulations usually respectively).4 However, definitions of ovarian diseases and their mor-
take place at the beginning of estrus period after the LH peak and sev- phological and histological presentation are difficult to explain due to
eral follicles ovulate within a time period of 1 2 days.1 The concentra- numerous and time-dependent variations.12 The cyst diameter ranged
tion of estradiol begins to decrease from peak to intermediate values from 0.2 to 4.0 cm with a median value of 0.5 cm2. These cystic fol-
of 10-20 pg/mL, while the concentration of progesterone reaches 10- licles, despite their smaller size, cause considerable endocrine activity
25 ng/mL by day 10, at or shortly after the end of the estrus.1 If the to potentially interrupt the normal ovarian function with hyperestro-
peak of LH is inadequate to induce ovulation of the dominant follicles, genism as an extreme consequence.2
or the receptor responsiveness is insufficient, it may lead to the pro- Although neutering minimizes the risk of reproductive diseases, it
duction of cysts in the ovary.2 Under clinical settings, follicular cysts cannot be practiced in the younger age of less than 2 years if the bitch
need to be distinguished from other cystic ovarian pathologies includ- is intended for breeding.13 It is also important to mention that neuter-
ing hyperplasia of rete ovarii and superficial cysts of germinal epithe- ing prior to onset of puberty has some potentially deleterious conse-
lia3,4 and ovarian neoplasia.5 Although the life expectancy of different quences such as, development of neoplasia (hemangiosarcoma,
dog breeds varies, there is an increased incidence of ovarian cysts over lymphoma, mast cell tumors, and osteosarcoma) and risk of skeletal
6-8 years of age6 and ovariohysterectomy before the middle age of 6 abnormalities like intervertebral disc herniation in dachshunds
years7 is useful for the prevention of reproductive pathologies.5,8 breed.14-16 Therefore, it should be weighed in the decision and also
In a survey study with ovaries of 400 bitches, the incidence of ovar- promote the fact that breeding bitches should be bred early to enable
ian pathology was about 28.8%, of which more than 75% were non- neutering before middle age.14 The pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treat-
neoplastic cystic structures.9 The incidence of ovarian anomalies in the ment of cystic ovarian diseases in the bitch are still unclear; hence, it is
bitches was reported to include luteal cysts (23.8%), rete ovarii hyper- important to establish an early diagnosis of the condition and adoption
plasia (10.5%), follicular cysts (10.5%), oophoritis (7.9%), adenoma of of suitable treatment strategies to prevent the progress of the disease.
rete ovarii (4.0%), cysts of superficial (2%) structures, and parovarian In this review, the morphological features of the canine ovary, inci-
cysts (22%).4,6,10 The presence of steroid hormones producing cysts in dence, prevalence, types and clinical manifestations of the ovarian
the ovary for a longer period not only predisposes to uterine patholo- cysts, diagnostic approaches and therapeutic options are discussed.
gies but also adversely affects the ovulation rate leading to a reduction
Ovarian Anatomy and Histology
*Corresponding author. Manas K. Patra, MVSC, PhD, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research
Institute, LPM Section, Immunoreproduction Laboratory, Animal Reproduction Divi- The canine ovaries are located in the dorsal part of the abdominal
sion, Izatnagar, U.P. 243 122, India. cavity lying caudal to respective kidneys and completely enclosed
E-mail address: drmanas01@gmail.com (M.K. Patra).

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tcam.2021.100511
1938-9736/© 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
2 J.K. Sasidharan et al. / Topics in Companion An Med 43 (2021) 100511

Table 1
Incidence of Different Ovarian Cysts Reported in the Bitch

Types of cysts Incidence (%) Reference


9,21,23
Follicular cysts 6-23.9
9,41,21,27,23
Rete ovarian cysts* 11-90
9,41,21,27,23
Subepithelial surface cysts 4.0-52.3
27,23
Para-ovarian cysts 3.0-12.0
* Value includes cysts located in the rete ovarii and hilar region, hence it may also
contain paraovarian cyst.

hormones produced in ovarian cysts contribute to the multifactorial


evolution of pyometra.6,25,26

Incidence

Fig 1. Representative gross image showing ovarian bursa (arrows). Many bitches with ovarian cysts display no signs; thus, often
remain undiagnosed. With age, the occurrence and prevalence of cys-
within the ovarian bursa.17,18 The ovarian bursa is formed by the tic ovaries increase in the bitch.1 There is also little knowledge on the
fusion of distal mesovarium and the mesosalpinx and contains a con- epidemiological implications of canine ovarian cysts. Histopathology
siderable amount of adipose tissue that covers the easy view of ovary, studies of canine ovarian cyst in various laboratories show that the
except in a small clear area of the mesosalpinx.19 The fat content of prevalence rate of epithelial cysts from rete structures and surface-
ovarian bursa rises with age and the younger dogs display more sub-surface epithelium is higher than that of other cyst struc-
translucent ovarian bursa compared with older or overweighed tures.23,27 The incidence of different types of ovarian cysts is pre-
females (Fig 1).11 The ovarian surface epithelium is formed by a sented in Table 1.
monolayer arrangement of cuboidal to flat cells over the free surface
of the canine ovary. During the postnatal period, the mesodermal Types of Cysts
derived ovarian surface epithelial cells express both epithelial and
mesenchymal features.20 The surface epithelium shows infolding Follicular Cyst
into the underlying stroma and forms numerous cortical tubules con- Follicular cysts are monolocular thin-walled and clear watery
sisting of cuboidal epithelium. The ovarian stroma is formed by the fluid-filled structures, generally present over the ovarian surface as
collagen rich tunica albuginea and small round stromal cells around solitary as well as multiple. The diameter of the single cyst ranges
the Graafian follicle. Besides, a group of round nuclear endocrine cells from 1 to 5 cm, while the diameter of multiple cysts can be up to 10
with thin cytoplasm are arranged in a cord from the cortex to the cm.28 Although it is recorded in young bitches of one year and as old
medulla. Rete ovarii is formed by lower cuboidal or columnar cells as 19 years, the vulnerable age of the bitch who develops follicular
along with stromal cells at the hilus of the ovary through which cysts is above 6-8 years.24 The research on follicular cyst pathogene-
nerves and vessels enter into the ovary.21 sis indicates that the cysts are triggered by the failure of large antral
follicles to respond to ovulatory stimulation.29 The primary endocrine
Ovarian Cysts lesion for anovulation is the central failure to produce temporal
GnRH pulses and LH surge which are essential for final follicular
The survey report indicates that cystic ovarian disorders account for growth and ovulation6 or from the peripheral level due to imbalances
around 80% of ovarian pathology in the canine.9 Since expanded cysts in the follicular molecular homeostasis compromising its response to
lose their structure and the arrangement of cell linings alters under the preovulatory LH surge. The former hypothesis would explain the
pressure exerted by the cystic fluid, it becomes difficult to find out the development of multiple follicular cysts, while the latter would
origin of the cyst in the ovary.22 Follicular and luteal cysts are the 2 types rather applicable to the occurrence of solitary follicular cysts.11
of functional ovarian cysts. In addition, nonfollicular cysts often grow Retrospective examination of the ovaries after ovariohysterec-
from the surface or subsurface epithelium and mesonephric tubules of tomy over a span of 12 months for the treatment of pyometra in the
the dog ovary.23 Hormonally active ovarian cysts are of clinical signifi- veterinary polyclinic showed that 20.7% (17/82) bitches had follicular
cance in the bitch, as they can lead to hyperestrogenism.24 The steroidal cysts (Fig 2). The presence of ovarian cysts did not show any

Fig 2. (A) Representative gross photographs showing follicular cysts in the ovary (blue arrow) of a 7-year-old non-descript bitch diagnosed with cystic endometrial hyperplasia-
pyometra complex (blue arrow). (B) Closure view of ovarian cysts (blue arrow) in a 12-year-old Spitz bitch.
J.K. Sasidharan et al. / Topics in Companion An Med 43 (2021) 100511 3

significant association with CEH in Fisher’s exact test (P = .78), about using deslorelin is reported to be associated with the development of
35.3% bitches having ovarian cysts had the concurrent CEH-pyome- multiple follicular cysts in the ovaries.33 A positive immunoreaction
tra, whereas 58.8% had pyometra without any cystic changes in the to inhibin alpha and a negative immune response to cytokeratin AE1/
endometrium. Histomorphometric categorization of pyometra sup- AE3 and desmin was shown in the granulosa cell lining of follicular
ports the presence of pyometra without CEH where the gland lumina cysts.22 Among the steroid hormone receptors, androgen receptors
present only in less than 10% of the endometrium with no cysts and (AR) and estrogen receptors (ERa and ERb) are expressed in develop-
the endometrium/myometrium ratio significantly decreases due to ing follicles, but a moderate AR and ERb reactions have been observed
severe endometrial atrophy, although a high degree of fibroblast pro- in the follicular cysts. In addition, upregulation of antiapoptotic pro-
liferation is also seen in the endometrium and myometrium layers.30 teins Bcl-2 and survivin in the granulosa and theca cells, along with
Only 5.9% bitches however, developed cystic ovaries without any downregulation of active caspase-3 in secondary follicles and follicu-
uterine pathology (data unpublished). Nulliparity predisposes 94.15% lar cysts, suggest chronic persistence of ovarian cyst in dogs.34
of cases to the incidence of ovarian cysts. The histopathological modi- Persistent follicular cysts are hypothesized to result in hyper-
fication of the Graafian follicle and the cystic follicle is presented in estrogenism in the bitch with prolonged estrus extending up to three
Fig 3. months.24,35 Hyperestrogenism-related signs include pancytopenia,
The experimental administration of nonsteroidal aromatase anemia, granulocytopenia, thrombocytopenia and consequent epi-
inhibitor letrozolein the rat resulted in ovulatory failure and develop- staxis, hematuria, petechia, or hemorrhagic vulvar discharge.28 In
ment of polycystic ovarian syndrome.31 Consequently, inhibiting the chronic cases, the bitch develops typical symmetrical bilateral alope-
function of aromatase enzyme that catalyzes the rate limiting step in cia and bone marrow suppression, lichenification, and hyperkerato-
the production of estrogens from androgens is one of the rational sis.36 Alopecia most frequently observed on the caudal aspects of
intraovarian disruptions in steroidogenesis that might have been cor- both thighs.37 Though hyperestrogenism is uncommon in the bitches
related with its pathophysiology.32 The induction of estrus in dogs with follicular cysts, development of CEH-pyometra complex is

Fig 3. Representative photomicrographs of canine ovary. (A) Graafian follicle with eosinophilic antral fluid surrounded by granulosa cell layer, (B-E) A section of follicular cyst lined
by irregular thin layer of granulosa cells along the basement membrane with wider antral diameter (B- bar 500 mm, C- 100 mm, D- bar 1000 mm, E- 500 mm), diagnosed in a 7-year-
old nulliparous German shepherd bitch resented with a history of purulent vaginal discharge for about 4 weeks.
4 J.K. Sasidharan et al. / Topics in Companion An Med 43 (2021) 100511

Fig 4. Representative photomicrographs of canine ovary. (A) Normal corpus luteum having luteal cell layers arranged in sheets, (B-D) luteal cyst showing partial luteinization in the
follicular wall and fibrin bands are spreading through the lumen of follicle. (Bar 10 mm). This was incidental finding during an elective ovariohysterectomy in a 3-year-old German
Shepherd bitch.

common28,29 leading to polyuria and polydipsia, mucus or purulent follicular cysts.41 In contrast to follicular cysts, the cystic rete ovarii
vaginal discharge, vomiting, abdominal distension, abdominal dis- show a positive immunoreaction to desmin and AE1/AE3.21,22 In the
tress or pain.24 normal canine ovary, expression of damage-associated molecular
pattern molecule, S100-positive immunoreaction at rete ovarii is
Luteal Cyst demonstrated. However, cystic rete ovarii were not always S100-pos-
itive, and an S100-positive immunoreaction is observed in various
Luteal cysts are solitary cysts, lined by luteal tissue and frequently kinds of cysts. To the end, its differentiation proved confounding
range from 1.5 to 3.0 cm in diameter.9 Compared to follicular cysts, unless ovarian rete is observed in the vicinity.22
these cysts are comparatively thicker and consist of opaque walls
with accumulation of pale eosinophilic fluid. The formation of luteal Cyst of Subsurface Epithelium (SES)
cysts eventually necessitates luteinization of granulosa cells; thus,
requires an additional step in cell differentiation compared to follicu- Cyst of subsurface epithelium arises from the ovarian surface and
lar cysts.6 Histology revealed lining of cyst by several layers of granu- also be termed as germinal cysts.3 Cysts are rarely larger than 5 mm,
losa-lutein cells and a thin layer of fibrin (Fig 4) on the luminal and lined with nonsecretory cuboidal or low columnar epithe-
surface.6 The luteal cysts are capable of producing progesterone in lium.9,22 They are often microscopic in size, multiple in numbers and
low concentrations for a prolonged period of time.24 commonly bilateral. The SES cysts grow at the surface, typically
enlarging the size of the ovary. In the caudal pole of the kidney, the
Cystic Corpus Luteum swollen ovaries can be palpated as relatively solid ovoid masses. In
transabdominal palpation, the dogs occasionally show signs of
A persistent fluid-filled cavity is often indicative of incomplete abdominal distress.27 The cysts of SES are immunoreactive to placen-
luteinization and is known as cystic corpus luteum. Histologically, tal alkaline phosphatase and placental alkaline phosphatase can serve
these cysts contain several layers of luteal cells that are separated by as a histological marker of SES cyst.22
a thin, single fibroblast layer from the central cavity.38
Diagnosis
Cystic Rete Ovarii
Differential diagnosis of the type of ovarian cysts is made by ultra-
Rete tubules are present as a small mass of irregular, anastomos- sonography,42 estimation of ovarian steroid hormone concentra-
ing tubules in the hilus region of most of the canine ovary. Presence tions,6 and histopathology. Information on breeding history along
of cystic rete ovarii is shown in Fig 5. This type of cystic structure with physical examination is appropriate for the preliminary diagno-
does not produce sex steroid hormones39 and the rete ovarii tissue is sis of hyperestrogenism in follicular cysts.11 In certain cases, the
physiologically unaffected by sex-hormone-regulated differentiation swollen vulva with dark sero-hemorrhagic or mucus discharges is
and maturation processes.40 The epithelial lining of the small-sized also observed.43 Transabdominal ultrasonography provides first line
cysts is similar to that of rete tubules and the large-sized cysts are of evidence for the ovarian cysts (Fig 6) and their significance needs
lined by epithelium where, the cells show the loss of polarity. Most to be correlated with clinical signs and estimation of estrogens. Small
larger rete cysts are round in shape than the smaller ones.9 Age is not nonproductive cystic structures often escape diagnosis till they
a predisposing factor for the production of rete ovarii cysts, unlike achieve enough size to be visualized during an abdominal
J.K. Sasidharan et al. / Topics in Companion An Med 43 (2021) 100511 5

Fig 5. Representative photomicrograph of cystic rete ovarii. (A) Ovarian cortex and medulla (B) wide cystic cavity in the rete ovarian region indicated by asterisk, (C-D) the luminal
part of the cysts is encircled by fibrinous band and accumulation of cystic fluids and ill differentiated cellular debris (bar 10 mM). It was an incidental finding during an elective ovar-
iohysterectomy in a 1-year-old nondescript bitch.

ultrasound.11 Follicular cysts are typically visible as thin-walled 568000.0 pg/mL (median 545.0 pg/mL) and the concentration of pro-
anechoic structures with acoustic enhancement in the ultrasonogra- gesterone ranged from 0.1 to 20,138.0 ng/mL (median 31.0 ng/mL).2
phy.26 The SES and rete cysts without sufficient size remain unrecog- Moreover, the level of hormones varies in different types of cysts
nized during ultrasound scanning of the ovaries.26 Compared to present on the same ovary.2 In the presence of suggestive clinical
ultrasound imaging, abdominal radiography is not very beneficial.44 signs, histopathology helps in arriving at a confirmatory diagnosis.
Despite the fact that computed tomography scan and magnetic reso- Hemogram is a useful ancillary diagnostic aid along with a detailed
nance imaging provide optimum resolution for detecting even clinical evaluation to eliminate reproductive pathologies associated
smaller cysts45,46 ultrasound remains the choice of imaging as it is with ovarian cysts such as CEH-pyometra, which predisposes the bitch
readily available, informative, easy to perform, and does not require to life-threatening systemic inflammatory response syndrome.47,48
anesthesia or radiation. Pancytopenia is common in the bitches with estrogen producing ovar-
Observation of persistent heat indicates the estradiol dominance ian cysts that can aid in the diagnosis.28,49 Concentration of serum
in females.23 The measurement of estradiol in the peripheral circula- C-reactive protein is suggested to be a useful predictor of ovarian
tion aids in the diagnosis of follicular cyst in a bitch with typical clini- cyst.50 In addition, differential diagnosis of ovarian cysts, particularly
cal signs and demonstration of cyst in the ovary by ultrasound. The from the granulosa-theca cell tumor, which is often powered by hor-
endocrine potential of each cyst in the ovaries can be ascertained by mones and produces estrogens, should be considered; hence, histopa-
analyzing the oestradiol-17ß and progesterone concentration in the thology is always indicated for confirmation. The response to medical
cystic fluid. The cyst-fluid levels of estradiol-17ß ranged from 2.0 to treatment allows for differentiation of follicular cysts with granulosa

Fig 6. Representative ultrasonography images showing (A) cystic ovary in association with pyometra in a 6-year-old Dalmatian bitch presented with the history of sero-sanguine-
ous discharge for 10 days, vomiting and polydipsia. (B) Multiple ovarian cysts in the right ovary of a 7-year-old Spitz presented with a history of blood tinged purulent vaginal dis-
charge and diagnosed as cystic endometrial hyperplasia-pyometra complex.
6 J.K. Sasidharan et al. / Topics in Companion An Med 43 (2021) 100511

cell tumors, although failure is sometimes reported in hormonal treat- bitches should be bred early to enable neutering before middle age.
ments.29 Other ovarian neoplasms such as papillary cyst adenoma and As endometrial disease is a common consequence of functional ovar-
cystic adenocarcinoma occur commonly in the bitch and stimulate the ian cysts, bitches become subfertile, even if the affecting ovary is
production of ovarian steroids that predisposes in the development of removed. Ovariohysterectomy is the treatment of choice for func-
CEH-pyometra.28 tional ovarian cysts in the absence of breeding value of the bitch.

Treatment Acknowledgments

Considering the low occurrence and under diagnosis, it is not sur- The authors copiously thank the anonymous reviewers for their
prising to see that limited literatures are available on the medical critical inputs and valuable suggestions in revising the manuscript.
treatment of ovarian cysts with respect to recovery, relapse and post- The support of The Director, ICAR-IVRI, Izatnagar in facilitating the
treatment complications. Therapeutic options are mainly available review process is acknowledged. The work was supported by a grant
for follicular and luteal cysts, since other ovarian cysts do not cause (BT/ADV/Canine health/ GADVASU /2017-18) from Department of
clinical disease in dogs.51 In a case series, conservative medical treat- Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, India to Manas K
ment with either hCG and/or GnRH analogue resulted in a success Patra for a project, “Identification of diagnostic and prognostic bio-
rate of 40% in the first, 33.3% in the second and 66.7% on the third markers in cystic endometrial hyperplasia and pyometra led systemic
attempt.52 The bitches were treated with hCG at doses between 450 inflammatory response syndrome in dog”.
and 3000 IU per animal or GnRH analogue buserelin at doses
between 0.8 and 6mg per animal. Buserelin therapy has been per- References
formed 2-6 times at 12-hour intervals or 3 times at 8-hour intervals
in different bitches. But the types of cysts have not been described 1. Concannon PW. Reproductive cycles of the domestic bitch. Anim Reprod Sci
and a long-term observation of the efficacy of the therapy and poten- 124:200–210, 2011
2. Knauf Y, Bostedt H, Failing K, et al. Gross pathology and endocrinology of ovarian
tial recurrence has not been carried out.52 Although GnRH analogues cysts in bitches. Reprod Dom Anim 49:463–468, 2014
or hCG are used for the treatment of ovarian cysts in bitches, 3. Arlt SP, Haimerl P. Cystic ovaries and ovarian neoplasia in the female dog a sys-
response to treatment varies and several case studies showed a fail- tematic review. Reprod Dom Anim 51:3–11, 2016
4. Maya-Pulgarin D, Gonzalez-Dominguez MS, Aranzazu-Taborda D, et al. Histopath-
ure of hormonal therapy53 and induction of pyometra therefore,
ologic findings in uteri and ovaries collected from clinically healthy dogs at elec-
demanding for a surgical alternative. Further, the potential hypersen- tive ovariohysterectomy: a cross-sectional study. J Vet Sci 18:407–414, 2017
sitive reactions limit the use of hCG for the treatment functional ovar- 5. Ortega-Pacheco A, Gutie rrez-Blanco E, Jime nez-Coello M. Common lesions in the
female reproductive tract of dogs and cats. Vet Clin Small Anim Pract 42:547–559,
ian cysts.
2012
Ovariohysterectomy is a curative treatment procedure in most 6. Knauf Y, Ko € hler K, Knauf S, et al. Histological classification of canine ovarian cyst
cystic ovarian disorders to prevent the potential recurrence.51 It is types with reference to medical history. J Vet Sci 19:725–734, 2018
the treatment of choice for most uterine diseases, including: congeni- 7. Dow C. The cystic hyperplasia-pyometra complex in the bitch. Vet Rec 70:1102–
1110, 1958
tal anomalies, pyometra, localized or diffuse CEH, uterine prolapse, 8. Grundy SA, Feldman E, Davidson A. Evaluation of infertility in the bitch. Clin Tech
uterine neoplasia, and uterine rupture.53 The surgical drainage and Small Anim Pract 17:108–115, 2002
flushing of the cystic structures were attempted in unusual case stud- 9. Dow C. Ovarian abnormalities in the bitch. J Comp Path 70:59–69, 1960
10. Marino G, Barna A, Mannarino C, et al. Stromal cysts of the canine ovary: preva-
ies.54 The aspiration of cystic fluid through laparotomy or ultrasound- lence, diagnosis and clinical implications. Veterinaria (Cremona) 24:9–15, 2010
guided aspiration are the other treatment options for ovarian cysts52 11. Payan-Carreira R, Pires MA. Ovarian cysts in dogs’ practice. In: Berhardt LV, editor.
with 56% whelping in the bitches with follicular cysts.54 No medical Advances in Medicine and Biology, 94, Nova Science Publishers Inc; 2016. p. 24,
12. Bertazzolo W, Dell'Orco M, Bonfanti U, et al. Cytological features of canine ovarian
treatment is indicated in nonproductive ovarian cysts as they are tumours: a retrospective study of 19 cases. J Small Anim Pract 45:539–545, 2004
innocuous. In another report cystectomy performed through a 13. Niskanen M, Thrusfield MV. Associations between age, parity, hormonal therapy
median laparotomy caused cessation of the clinical signs but an ovar- and breed, and pyometra in Finnish dogs. Vet Rec 143:493–498, 1998
14. Oberbauer AM, Belanger J, Famula TR. A review of the impact of neuter status on
iohysterectomy had to be performed due to the occurrence of CEH at expression of inherited conditions in dogs. Front Vet Sci 6:397, 2019
2 months after the procedure.55 Ovariectomy is another effective 15. Houpt KA, Coren B, Hintz HF, et al. Effect of sex and reproductive status on sucrose
method for permanent sterilization of female dogs with no known preference, food intake, and body weight of dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc 174:1083–
1085, 1979
demerits. It is also indicated for the treatment of ovarian neo-
16. Kyles AE, Aronsohn M, Stone EA, et al. Urogenital surgery. In: Lipowitz AJ, editor.
plasms.56 In the Netherlands and other European countries, ovariec- Complications in Small Animal Surgery, Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins; 1996
tomy is preferred over ovariohysterectomy as the standard approach 17. Aspinall V. Anatomy and physiology of the dog and cat 10. The Female Reproduc-
for neutering. A major advantage of overiectomy is that it can be per- tive System. Vet Nurs J 19:168–172, 2004
18. Aspinall V. The reproductive system of the dog and cat Part 1 the female system.
formed faster through a smaller celiotomy and with less traction on Vet Nurs J 26:43–45, 2011
the female genital tract.56 Whereas ovariohysterectomy is preferred 19. McEntee K. Cysts in and around the ovary. In: McEntee K, editor. Reproductive
way of sterilization in the United States based on the presumption Pathology of Domestic Animals, San Diego: Academic Press; 1990
20. Okamura H, Katabuchi H. Pathophysiological dynamics of human ovarian surface
that future uterine pathology is prevented by removing the epithelial cells in epithelial ovarian carcinogenesis. Int Rev Cytol 242:1–54, 2005
uterus.57,58 Technically, ovariohysterectomy is associated with more 21. Akihara Y, Shimoyama Y, Kawasako K, et al. Histological and immunohistochemi-
surgical complications like intra-abdominal and vaginal bleeding, cal evaluation of canine ovary. Reprod Dom Anim 42:495–501, 2007
22. Akihara Y, Shimoyama Y, Kawasako K, et al. Immunohistochemical evaluation of
ureteral ligation, uterine stump complications, ovarian remnants, canine ovarian cysts. J Vet Med Sci 69:1033–1037, 2007
and sinus tracts.56 23. Pires MA, Payan-Carreira R. Cystic structures in the canine ovary: a prevalence sur-
vey. In: 17th EVSSAR Conference on Reproduction and Pediatrics in Dogs, Cats and
Exotic Carnivores, Wroclaw, Poland; 2014
Conclusion 24. Johnston S, Root Kustritz M, Olson P. Disorders of the Canine Ovary. Canine and
Feline Theriogenology. Philadelphia: WB Saunders; 2001
The occurrence of hormonally active ovarian cysts originating 25. Olson PN, Wrigley RH, Husted PW, et al. Persistent estrus in the bitch. Textbook of
Veterinary Internal Medicine; 1989 1792–1796
from the follicles is high in the bitches of middle to advanced age.24
26. Diez-Bru N, Garcia-Real I, Martinez EM, et al. Ultrasonographic appearance of ovar-
As persistent follicular cysts increase the risk of CEH-pyometra and ian tumors in 10 dogs. Vet Radio Ultrasound 39:226–233, 1998
have the potential to induce hyper estrogenism, treatment is neces- 27. Foster R. Surgical pathology of the canine female reproductive tract. Available at:
sary. Treatments with GnRH analogues or hCG are not always suc- http://www.uoguelph.ca/»rfoster/repropath/surgicalpath/female/dog/female_-
dog.htm Accessed March 13, 2009. 2005.
cessful in every case of hormonally active ovarian cyst; hence, 28. Schlafer DH, Miller R. Pathology of the ovary (non-developmental lesions). Jubb
ovariectomy is the only proven therapy. It is an important fact that Kennedy Palmer’s Path Dom Anim 3:431–563, 2007
J.K. Sasidharan et al. / Topics in Companion An Med 43 (2021) 100511 7

29. Ortega-Pacheco A, Gutie rrez-Blanco E, Jime nez-Coello M. Common lesions in the 44. Kumar D, Kumar A, Kumar P, et al. Follicular cyst in bitches. Jr Anim Health Prod
female reproductive tract of dogs and cats. Vet Clin Small Anim Pract 42:547–559, 7:38–42, 2019
2012 45. Occhipinti KA, Frankel SD, Hricak H. The ovary: computed tomography and mag-
30. De Bosschere H, Ducatelle R, Vermeirsch H, Van Den Broeck W, Coryn M. Cystic netic resonance imaging. Radiol Clin North Am 31:1115–1132, 1993
endometrial hyperplasia-pyometra complex in the bitch: should the two entities 46. Nothling JO, De Cramer KGM, Gerber D. Luteal and follicular count in bitches:
be disconnected? Theriogenology 55:1509–1519, 2001 assessment by means of magnetic resonance imaging. Theriogenology 66:1343–
31. Kafali H, Iriadam M, Ozardal I, et al. Letrozole-induced polycystic ovaries in the rat: 1354, 2006
a new model for cystic ovarian disease. Arch Med Res 35:103–108, 2004 47. Shah SA, Sood NK, Wani BM, et al. Haemato-biochemical studies in canine pyome-
32. Corbin CJ, Trant JM, Walters KW, et al. Changes in testosterone metabolism associ- tra. J Pharma Phytochem 6:14–17, 2017
ated with the evolution of placental and gonadal isozymes of porcine aromatase 48. Singh LK, Patra MK, Mishra GK, et al. Effect of systemic inflammatory response syn-
cytochrome P450. Endocrinology 140:5202–5210, 1999 drome (SIRS) on prostaglandin metabolite and oxidative stress in canine pyometra.
33. Arlt SP, Spankowsky S, Heuwieser W. Follicular cysts and prolonged estrus in a Indian J Anim Sci 90:75–79, 2020
female dog after the administration of a deslorelin implant. New Zealand Vet J 49. Sontas HB, Dokuzeylu B, Turna O, Ekici H. Estrogen-induced myelotoxicity in dogs:
59:87–91, 2011 a review. Can Vet J 50:1054, 2009
34. Chuffa LG, Lupi LJ. Sex steroid receptors and apoptosis-related proteins are differ- 50. Wdowiak A, Dudziak A, Szczubia» M, et al. Role of C-reactive protein determination
entially expressed in polycystic ovaries of adult dogs. Tissue Cell 48:10–17, 2016 to assay the inflammatory process in the course of ovarian cysts in female dogs.
35. Kim BS, Kim HS, Kim KC, et al. Vaginal prolapse by ovarian follicular cysts in a Med Weter 74:731–735, 2018
female Jin-do dog. Korean J Vet Res 48:223–225, 2008 51. Sontas B, Milani C, Romagnoli S, et al. A huge ovarian cyst in a hysterectomized
36. Sforna M, Brachelente C, Lepri E, et al. Canine ovarian tumors: a retrospective bitch. Reprod Dom Anim 46:1107–1111, 2011
study of 49 cases. Vet Res Comm 27:359–361, 2003 52. Knauf Y, Failing K, Knauf S, et al. Treatment of bitches with ovarian cysts using
37. Ghaffari MS, Dezfoulian O, Aldavood SJ, et al. Estrogen-related alopecia due to human chorionic gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue. A case series of 30
polycystic ovaries in a terrier dog. Comp Clin Path 18:341–343, 2009 bitches. Tierarztl Prax Kleintiere 41:93–100, 2013
38. Miller DM, McCrory VS, Anderson WI. Polycystic ovarian tissue in a spayed bitch. 53. Asrat M, Melkamu S. Review on ovariohysterectomy: surgical approach, post-
Mod Vet Pract (USA) 64:749, 1983 operative complications and their management in bitches. Contraception 8, 2007
39. Ortega-Pacheco A, Segura-Correa JC, Jimenez-Coello M, et al. Reproductive pat- 54. Bassu G, Rault D, Besso J, et al. Ultrasound-guided aspiration in management of
terns and reproductive pathologies of stray bitches in the tropics. Theriogenology ovarian follicular cysts in the bitch. In: In: Proceedings of the 4th Congress of the
67:382–390, 2007 European Veterinary Society for Small Animal Reproduction; 2004. p. 20–28
40. Songsasen N, Fickes A, Pukazhenthi BS, et al. Follicular morphology, oocyte diame- 55. Fayrer-Hosken RA, Durham DH, Allen S, et al. Follicular cystic ovaries and cystic
ter and localisation of fibroblast growth factors in the domestic dog ovary. Reprod endometrial hyperplasia in a bitch. J Am Vet Med Assoc 201:107–108, 1992
Dom Anim 44:65–70, 2009 56. Goethem B, Schaefers-Okkens A, Kirpensteijn J. Making a rational choice between
41. Mialot M, Parodi AL. Histological features and dysplasias of epithelial structures of ovariectomy and ovariohysterectomy in the dog: a discussion of the benefits of
the dog's ovary. Zentralbl Veterinarmed A 26:800–809, 1979 either technique. Vet Surg 35:136–143, 2006
42. Fontbonne A. Infertility in bitches and queens: recent advances. Rev Bras Reprod 57. Okkens AC, Kooistra HS, Nickel RF. Comparison of longterm effects of ovariectomy
Anim 35:202–209, 2011 versus ovariohysterectomy in bitches. J Reprod Fertil 51:227–231, 1997
43. Yotov S, Simeonov R, Dimitrov F, et al. Papillary ovarian cyst adenocarcinoma in a 58. Janssens LA, Janssens GH. Bilateral flank ovariectomy in the dog—surgical tech-
dog: clinical communication. J South African Vet Assoc 76:43–45, 2005 nique and sequelae in 72 animals. J Small Anim Pract 32:249–252, 1991

You might also like