02188-A: Combined Anti-Mullerian Hormone and Progesterone Testing for the Diagnosis of Canine Ovarian Remnant Syndrome
Grant Status: Closed
Abstract
Canine ovarian remnant syndrome (ORS) is a diagnosis that veterinarians consider when a spayed bitch shows signs that she is still under the influence of ovarian hormones, thus indicating she has retained some functional ovarian tissue. Before surgical exploration is considered, the veterinarian will want to have strong evidence that an ovarian remnant is present. Current diagnostic tests for ORS have limitations, and this research will thoroughly evaluate a new line of testing: anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) combined with progesterone. Dr. Place�s laboratory was the first to demonstrate that AMH effectively distinguishes between spayed and intact dogs. When combined with progesterone testing, preliminary data suggest that AMH is also effective in determining if a spayed bitch has an ovarian remnant. The ovaries are the sole source of AMH in mammals, and therefore, a positive AMH test indicates the presence of ovarian tissue. Interestingly, the ovarian structure that develops after ovulation, the corpus luteum, does not produce AMH, but it does produce large amounts of progesterone. These researchers have identified cases of ORS for which the AMH test was negative, but the progesterone test was positive. In these cases, microscopic exam showed that the ovarian remnant was almost entirely luteal tissue. This grant will evaluate the efficacy of an AMH+progesterone test for the diagnosis of canine ORS, and the investigators will perform histopathological examination of any tissue that is surgically removed from bitches that have undergone AMH+progesterone testing in their lab. If successful, this testing will help to reduce the number of unnecessary exploratory surgeries in dogs.
Publication(s)
Place, N. J., Cheraskin, J.-L., & Hansen, B. S. (2019). Evaluation of combined assessments of serum anti-Müllerian hormone and progesterone concentrations for the diagnosis of ovarian remnant syndrome in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 254(9), 1067–1072. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.254.9.1067
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