Outcome of bilateral equid laparoscopic ovariectomies

Vet Surg. 2021 Jul;50(5):975-983. doi: 10.1111/vsu.13651. Epub 2021 May 1.

Abstract

Objective: To assess outcomes and behavior changes associated with bilateral laparoscopic ovariectomies.

Study design: Retrospective study.

Sample population: Fifty-one equids.

Methods: Medical records were evaluated from equid bilateral laparoscopic ovariectomies from January 2012 to October 2018 with a potential of 6 months follow-up. Follow-up information obtained by telephone interviews included behavior before and after surgery. Likelihood ratio chi-square tests and odds ratios (OR) with 95% CI were calculated where applicable, with statistical significance at p < .05.

Results: Bilateral ovariectomy was performed in 51 cases, with elective (no pathologic ovaries) ovariectomies performed in 41/51 cases. Occasional estrus-like behavior was observed postoperatively in 14/51 (27%) mares, but the behavior was mild and manageable in all cases. There was no age effect on outcome in all bilateral (p = .56) or elective only (p = .36) cases. In 37/41 (90%) elective cases, improvement was observed in the reason for presentation. Some response to altrenogest administration for behavior modification was observed preoperatively in 12/18 (67%) elective cases. Response to altrenogest was not associated with (p = .31) or able to predict a beneficial response to surgery (OR = 5.5; 95% CI = 0.38-78.57; p = .21).

Conclusion: Response to altrenogest in elective cases may not predict behavioral outcome with ovariectomy. Occasional estrus-like behavior in mares postoperatively was not problematic for any owners. Bilateral ovariectomy is a viable treatment option for owners seeking to alleviate undesirable behavior in mares.

Clinical significance: This study should aid veterinarians and horse owners in case selection for bilateral ovariectomy.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal
  • Female
  • Horses / surgery*
  • Laparoscopy / veterinary
  • Ovarian Diseases / surgery
  • Ovarian Diseases / veterinary
  • Ovariectomy / methods
  • Ovariectomy / veterinary*
  • Postoperative Period
  • Progestins / administration & dosage
  • Progestins / pharmacology
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Trenbolone Acetate / administration & dosage
  • Trenbolone Acetate / analogs & derivatives
  • Trenbolone Acetate / pharmacology

Substances

  • Progestins
  • altrenogest
  • Trenbolone Acetate