Signs of heat (estrus) after spaying in Cats
Key takeaways
Heat (estrus) is the time in a female reproductive cycle in which she is fertile and receptive to breeding. Sexual alteration or spaying of female cats involves the removal of both ovaries and the uterus.
- After spaying, all signs of heat are expected to cease, as the ovaries are responsible for producing the hormones that trigger heat and reproductive behaviors
- It takes some time for the hormones to dissipate so if cats are in heat before the procedure, some signs can still appear after the operation
- If symptoms of estrus continue weeks after the procedure, it might be due to remaining ovarian tissue
- Other rare but possible causes include adrenal gland tumors, the presence of ovarian tissue somewhere else in the body, and the presence of extra ovaries
- The diagnostic process consists of bloodwork, diagnostic imaging, and usually surgery
- Typical treatment consists of surgical removal of residual ovarian tissue
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A closer look: Signs of heat (estrus) after spaying in Cats
Heat, or estrus, is the phase of the female reproductive cycle when a cat is fertile and ready to mate. This period recurs on a regular cycle with predictable behaviors such as vocalization, posturing, bloody vaginal discharge, and nesting. The ovaries are part of the female reproductive system and secrete sex hormones to stimulate estrus at regular intervals when the uterus is fertile for mating.
During sexual alteration surgery (ie. “spaying”), the ovaries are completely removed and signs of estrus are expected to stop. In cats who have had heat cycles prior to spay surgery, it is normal for some remaining signs of estrus to persist until all of the residual sex hormones have been eliminated by the body. If signs of estrus continue for weeks after spaying, it indicates some form of sexual hormones are still being secreted into the body. This warrants veterinary attention but is not an emergency. It is an uncommon situation that mostly causes annoyance and is not life-threatening.
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Possible causes
The most common cause of signs of heat after spay surgery is ovarian remnant syndrome, a condition in which parts of ovarian tissue remain following surgical excision. Other possible causes include the presence of abnormal ovarian tissue somewhere else in the body. Rarely, it might indicate the presence of a tumor, and in extremely rare situations the presence of a third ovary that has not been removed.
Sometimes, exposure to medications that contain reproductive hormones (that can be found in some products, such as topical estrogen supplements) can also trigger heat-like signs.
Risk factors
In some cases, cats can develop signs of false pregnancy. These include behavioral changes and the development of mammary tissue.
Long-term exposure to hormones can cause harm, as it can predispose the patient to mammary cancer. Also, chronic production of reproductive hormones can lead to a chronic infection called stump pyometra.
Testing and diagnosis
The diagnostic process includes a complete physical examination and medical history. Bloodwork is necessary to measure the level of hormones in the bloodstream.
Diagnostic imaging can reveal the presence of residual ovarian tissue, but more often an abdominal exploratory surgery is needed.
Treatment usually consists of surgical removal of residual ovarian tissue.
In cases of an exogenous cause (i.e., exposure to human medications), treatment is to remove the source.
Painkillers as well as antibiotics and other medications are often prescribed post-surgery to avoid infections and other complications.
Similar symptoms
Persistent heat after spaying may be confused with normal signs of estrus expected after surgery until the sex hormones are fully eliminated by the body.
