Ovarian remnant

Dr. Marie replied:

Thanks for a great question Jenny!

We don't see ovarian remnant syndrome often in cats, but it can definitely happen.

As you likely know, ovarian remnant syndrome happens when there is still some ovarian tissue inside of a spayed cat. Usually when we do a cat spay it is super obvious where the ovary is and extremely unlikely for some to be left behind. However, there are some cats that can have extra ovarian tissue hanging around inside the abdomen, or it is in theory possible for a vet to think they have removed the ovary, but actually left some inside.

There are several different ways to test for ovarian remnant syndrome. To do HCG stimulation a cat does indeed have to be showing heat signs first. The point of the test is to take an ovary that is active (this happens when a cat is in heat) and cause it to produce follicles. The HCG works on that active ovary and then a week later we can do a blood test to measure progesterone levels. If the progesterone levels are high then this means that there is functioning ovary tissue present and then surgery has to be done to find and remove that piece of ovary.

There are other ways to look for an ovarian remnant. What I usually do, is have the owner bring the cat in when she is exhibiting signs of heat and then I do a vaginal cytology. We do this by rubbing a swab inside of the vagina and making a smear to look at under the microscope. If a cat is truly in heat then we will see certain changes on the slide. (If you're not used to doing this, it can be hard to determine whether the slide indicates a heat, so some vets will send the slide to a pathologist to find out for sure.) If she is truly in heat then this means there is ovary present and surgery is needed.

Another way to test for an ovarian remnant is to measure levels of LH (lutenizing hormone). But, this test is not as reliable as the hcg stimulation test.

It's not a bad idea to ask to speak to your vet personally about the issue of doing the test when Muffin was in heat. It's possible that your vet has some new information that I don't have. But, given that this is their first time doing the test, it's also possible that it was an honest mistake.

I hope you get some answers soon!

Dr. Marie


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