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Expert: - 12/27/2010


Question
My 2 yr old cat is acting like she is in heat. She was spayed at 6 months old. I tried to take her back to the vet who did the spaying process but they wanted to charge me again. Does this seem fair? I didn't think so and have neglected it. But I was also wondering if this could be just a behavorial thing. If that's possible. And also, should I get her spayed again for (any health precautions)?

Answer
Hi Adam,

It sounds like your cat has Ovarian Remnant Syndrome.  This occurs when a piece of ovary is accidentally left behind during the spay procedure.  It produces enough hormones to cause the cat to go into heat once in a while.  I feel it's unfair for your vet to charge you to see her regarding a botched spay surgery.  Unfortunately, my vets would probably charge me, as well.

It is best for your cat to undergo a second procedure to have the remaining ovarian tissue removed.  This is because additional heat cycles increase your cat's chances of mammary cancer later in life, and she is at risk of developing ovarian cancer in the ovarian tissue she has left.  Perhaps your vet will agree to do the second surgery at a reduced cost.

Best of luck!

Jessica

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Jessica

Expertise

The areas in which I have gained the most experience are cat health and feral cat management/rescue. I provide supportive care to chronically ill cats, hospice care to terminally ill cats and also am involved in trap-neuter-return efforts. My specialities lie in taming feral cats and in the allopathic treatment of cats with illnesses or special needs. I also have owned Siamese, Himalayans, Abyssinians, Russian Blues, Savannahs, Bengals, Peterbalds, Don Sphynx and Oriental Shorthairs and am well-versed in cat breeds as well as cat behavior and nutrition.

Experience

I have 15 years of extensive experience with cats ranging from breeding to medical care. My daily routine consists of caring for cats with diabetes, thyroid disease, kidney failure, feline leukemia, feline AIDS as well as feral cats. I have experience with liver patients, heart patients, feline infectious peritonitis, cancer, recovery from amputation and trauma, congenital deformities and most every disease in between. I have assisted cats giving birth and hand-nursed kittens who were neglected by their mother from 2 days old through weaning.

Education/Credentials
15 years' hands-on experience

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