Ovarian cysts in dogs and cats - symptoms and treatment options

Abstract

The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the prevalence of ovarian cysts in bitches and queens, to classify cyst subtypes, and to evaluate diagnostic and therapeutic strategies reported in the literature. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar identified 4321 articles, of which 13 met the inclusion criteria, providing data on 428 bitches and 273 queens. The pooled prevalence of ovarian cysts was 41.7%, with follicular cysts being the most frequently reported subtype. Dogs were significantly more likely to develop cysts than cats, and animals older than five years had a markedly higher risk. Histopathology and ultrasonography were the predominant diagnostic methods, though only one study assessed diagnostic sensitivity. All included studies reported surgical treatment, while non-surgical options and postoperative outcomes were not evaluated. The studies suitable for analysis were also highly variable in reporting, from large studies with near 100% cyst presence in the sample studied, to small studies with relatively low cyst presence, which limits the ability to compute statistical outcomes in a highly reliable way. These findings highlight the high prevalence of ovarian cysts in small animals, particularly in older queens and bitches, and reveal major gaps in standardized diagnostic criteria, non-invasive biomarkers, and therapeutic research. Future prospective studies are needed to validate diagnostic tools, investigate medical management options, and improve evidence-based clinical decision-making in veterinary practice.