Ovariohysterectomy versus ovariectomy for elective sterilization of female dogs and cats: is removal of the uterus necessary?

Views: Commentary 1409 E sterilization of female dogs and cats is one of the most common procedures performed in veterinary practice and is considered by private veterinary practitioners as one of the most important skills required of new graduates. Potential benefits of sterilization include population control, prevention of diseases of the reproductive tract, and elimination of undesirable behaviors associated with hormonal cycling. The AVMA and the Association of Shelter Veterinarians both promote elective sterilization of female dogs and cats as integral to reducing euthanasia of unwanted dogs and cats. Sterilization of female dogs and cats can be accomplished by removing both the ovaries and uterus (ovariohysterectomy) or by removing the ovaries alone (ovariectomy). Ovariohysterectomy has historically been recommended in the United States and Canada and is currently emphasized at schools and colleges of veterinary medicine in these countries. To our knowledge, only one of the most frequently used surgical textbooks in the United States and Canada describes ovariectomy, and ovariectomy is generally not taught to veterinary students during their surgical laboratories. The Clinical Proficiency Examination, which is the final step in the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates’ program for establishing the educational equivalence of graduates of nonaccredited veterinary schools seeking licensure in the United States or Canada, requires “complete removal of both ovaries and removal of the majority of the uterus” to obtain a passing grade. Despite the apparent preference for ovariohysterectomy in the United States and Canada, ovariectomy appears to have become the standard of care in many European countries. In addition, with the development of minimally invasive surgical techniques, laparoscopic ovariectomy has gained popularity. Thus, it may be helpful to review the scientific evidence comparing ovariohysterectomy and ovariectomy for elective sterilization of healthy female dogs and cats.