Epidemiology and Surgical Management of Ovarian Pathologies in Dogs in Anambra and Enugu States

Ovarian pathologies in dogs encompass a spectrum of conditions including cystic ovarian disease, granulosa cell tumors, and dysgerminomas, and their surgical management requires accurate preoperative characterization for appropriate planning. This analytical study investigates the epidemiology, ultrasonographic characteristics, and ovariohysterectomy outcomes for ovarian pathologies in dogs at teaching and referral hospitals in Anambra and Enugu States, South East Nigeria, from 2021 to 2024. Sixty-three dogs diagnosed with ovarian pathology by clinical examination, hormonal profiling, and abdominal ultrasonography were enrolled. All dogs underwent ovariohysterectomy, and excised ovarian tissue was submitted for histopathological examination. Cystic ovarian disease was the most prevalent diagnosis, identified in 44% of cases, followed by ovarian granulosa cell tumor in 25% and ovarian cystadenocarcinoma in 17%. Intact females with irregular estrous cycles were the most represented patient profile. Ultrasonographic characterization correctly identified the pathology type in 80% of cases when compared to histopathological findings. Postoperative recovery was uncomplicated in 87% of cases. Persistent estrogen-related behavioral changes resolved within 45 days in 92% of cystic ovarian disease cases following ovariohysterectomy. Ovarian tumor cases showed no local recurrence at six months of follow-up. These findings contribute to the limited body of analytical literature on ovarian pathology epidemiology in Nigerian companion animals and support ultrasonographic evaluation as an essential preoperative diagnostic tool for canine ovarian disease management. Keywords: ovarian pathology, canine ovariohysterectomy, ultrasonography, South East Nigeria, ovarian tumor.