My dog has been spayed but she comes into her h...

Dog / Labrador Retrievers - Answered 1334 days ago

My dog has been spayed but she comes into her heat every 6 to 8 months she's approximately 3 years now.Is it normal?

Abhishek

Whiskey

Labrador Retrievers, spayed female

3 Answers

After spaying, your dog’s reproductive cycle should cease and she should not exhibit any more estrus signs. Sometimes, however, over the course of the operation, part of the ovarian tissue is overlooked and left behind. This part may continue to release hormones which activate fertility and your dog may appear to be in heat even though she is no longer able to get pregnant. This is called ovarian remnant syndrome (ORS). This condition is usually reversible with surgery. The longer the tissue is left, the higher the risk of complications. Exploratory laparotomy can be performed for removal of part of ovary. The main risk with untreated ORS is the increased chance of cancer development and this isn’t greatly affected by medication.

Answered 1334 days ago icon0

When your pet is spayed, the entire reproductive tract (including both ovaries and the uterus) is surgically removed. ... If a previously spayed animal shows signs of going into heat, this may indicate that functioning ovarian tissue (known as an ovarian remnant) is still present and producing estrogen So you should go back to your vet. Thank you.

Answered 1342 days ago icon0

Hi Abhishek!! Well, the cat should not come to estrus or show and heat signs after being spayed. If it is doing so there may be some problem. Causes of Heat Signs in Spayed Cats Ovarian Remnant Syndrome: When a cat is spayed and the owner starts to notice signs of heat, the first thought may be that the surgeon left something behind, but that is usually not the case. Some females possess accessory ovarian tissue separate from the main ovary and this tissue becomes active only after the main ovaries are removed.1 Some cats actually grow ovarian tissue down the length of their ovarian ligament, which is cut during the spay surgery but not fully removed because it is not visible to the naked eye.Furthermore, if an ovary touches the abdominal wall, cells are able to attach and vascularize creating a new, smaller ovary. In many cases, the original spay surgery was performed months or even years before. These secondary bits of the ovary are growing during this time. Owners may not notice a change in their cat's behavior, until they have achieved sufficient hormone-producing power. Signs of heat will then be more apparent. Once it has been determined that a pet has an ovarian remnant, surgery should be performed to locate and remove it. Stump Pyometra; After a cat is spayed, a small stump of uterine tissue inside the abdomen where the tract has been tied off may remain. As long as there are no female hormones available, the stump will be inactive and cannot develop a pyometra, an infection of the uterus.2 If hormones are circulating, a pyometra can develop in the stump and clinical signs of heat may be observed. Vaginal discharge and a distended abdomen may also be noted, in an otherwise healthy spayed cat. If a stump pyometra is suspected, exploratory surgery may be necessary to remove it. Adrenal Tumors; Adrenal tumors can produce hormones.3 Unfortunately, these can be difficult to remove, but exploratory surgery should help differentiate between this and an ovarian remnant. In this situation, signs of heat are constant, they don't cycle as with ovarian tissue. Hormone Exposure; Topical estrogen-containing creams are available for human use and unfortunately may end up on the user's hands or arms, where a cat can lick them off. A female cat exposed to these creams can potentially manifest signs of heat but will not show a predictable hormone cycle. The best way to avoid a cat's access is for owners to use gloves during application and to make sure to wash hands and to keep the area of skin containing the hormone, away from them . Why is Treatment Important? Hormones can be harmful. Long term exposure to female hormones can cause mammary cancer. Also, if even a small piece of uterus persists after being spayed, chronic infection can ensue. So the best way to avoid the serious repercussions of female hormones is to speak with your veterinarian if you notice your spayed cat is experiencing signs of heat. They will work with you to determine what is causing the behavior change and identify the best way to treat them.

Answered 1356 days ago icon1