| Summary: | PICO question
What is the incidence of postoperative uterine pathology in ovariectomised bitches compared to ovariohysterectomised bitches?
Clinical bottom line
Category of research question
Incidence
The number and type of study designs reviewed
Three retrospective case series
Strength of evidence
Weak
Outcomes reported
None of the reviewed case series found any uterine pathology for ovariectomised bitches in the long-term follow-up of several years, although none of the studies performed a proper gynaecological examination to confirm a lack of pathology
Conclusion
With the limited evidence available, it appears that leaving the uterus when gonadectomising bitches does not seem to have a high risk for developing pathology as long as the ovaries are completely removed.
How to apply this evidence in practice
The application of evidence into practice should take into account multiple factors, not limited to: individual clinical expertise, patient’s circumstances and owners’ values, country, location or clinic where you work, the individual case in front of you, the availability of therapies and resources.
Knowledge Summaries are a resource to help reinforce or inform decision-making. They do not override the responsibility or judgement of the practitioner to do what is best for the animal in their care.
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