Research Note: Diagnosis of Canine Ovarian Remnant Syndrome

Diagnosis of canine ovarian remnant syndrome (ORS) can be challenging, and sex hormone measurements can yield variable results based on the patient’s reproductive state. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is produced solely in the ovaries, making it a potential marker for the presence of ovarian tissue, but its secretion can be reduced during the luteal phase. In contrast, progesterone (P4) is secreted by luteal tissue. This study analyzed the clinical efficacy of measuring both AMH and P4 at a single time point to detect ORS prior to surgical exploration. Preoperative serum samples from dogs that underwent surgery for ORS were evaluated. Results showed that 25 dogs were positive for both AMH and P4, whereas 23 dogs were positive for either AMH or P4 or had inconclusive hormone levels. Although ovarian tissue was not found in 5 dogs that were positive for both hormones, none of the dogs with histologically confirmed ORS were negative for both AMH and P4. The authors concluded that the combined tests can be an effective assay for diagnosing ORS in dogs.