Gross pathology and endocrinology of ovarian cysts in bitches.

Abstract

A total of 73 bitches with ovarian cysts were ovariohysterectomized. Cysts were characterized by gross pathology and endocrine parameters. Therefore, oestradiol-17&#xdf; and progesterone concentrations were assessed in cyst-fluid and corresponding blood plasma in each bitch. Our data demonstrated that multiple cysts were often present in a single individual (82%) and that cysts were commonly found on both ovaries (77%). The number of cysts per individual varied from 1 to 35. Most cysts were small in size (range 0.2-4.0&#xa0;cm in diameter). No cyst was found to produce solely oestradiol-17&#xdf; or progesterone. Plasma levels of oestradiol-17&#xdf; and progesterone for a given individual were positively correlated with levels of these same hormones in their cyst-fluid (r&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.334 and p&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.001 for oestradiol-17&#xdf;; r&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.419 and p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.001 for progesterone). Our study is the first to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the gross pathology and endocrinology of ovarian cysts in a larger number of bitches.