Bilateral ovarian pedicle ligation as an alternative to ovariectomy and ovarian response to eCG treatment

Ovariectomy (OVE) is a standard technique used for dog spaying. If blood circulation to the ovaries is blocked, ovarian tissue is destroyed without being removed from the body. In this study, 12 adult female dogs were selected. Dogs were assigned to treatment (N = 7) and control (N = 5) groups. Blood samples and vaginal cytology were taken and checked for estrus cycle for 3 weeks. After that, both ovarian pedicles of dogs in the treatment group were ligated and in the control group, laparotomy was performed only. Blood sampling and vaginal cytology smears were taken from both groups once a week for the next 8 weeks. All dogs received eCG (20 IU/kg, IM) 1 month post surgery for 5 consecutive days. On the 5th day after eCG treatment, they received a single dose of hCG (500 IU/cases IM). After 8 weeks, ovariohysterectomy was performed and the ovaries of all dogs were sent to the pathology laboratory for pathological examination. In serum samples, estrogen and progesterone were assayed with ELISA kits. Based on the results, five dogs were in the anestrous from the beginning to the end of study. Other dogs were cyclic. Estrogen and progesterone levels were not significantly changed due to ovarian activity (P > 0.05). There was a significant difference between blood levels of estrogen after eCG induction. The difference in progesterone between ligated and sham operated group was significant (P = 0.01). Ultrasonographical evaluation showed excessive fluid accumulation in ovarian bursa and giant follicles on ovaries of the ligated groups 1 month post ligation. Histopathological findings showed hemorrhage and necrosis in ovarian tissues. However, developing follicles and corpus luteums were seen too. In conclusion, the results of the present study showed that despite the severe changes in ovarian tissue following ovarian pedicle ligation, minor perfusions still exist and supply the ovaries so that hormone response and follicular development can occur. © 2016, Springer-Verlag London.