Erik Verrynne, [16 Dec 2023 at 12:08:35]: Good afternoon. I have a 10-11 year-old captive female leopard that has been coming into season more and more frequently. She seems OK and is eating fine, although a few days ago she appeared stiff. My DD’s are pyometra or cystic ovaries. I am going to immobilize and scan/palpate the uterus later today. How common are cystic ovaries and what treatment regime can I use for it ? She weighs about 35-40kg. I have Lutalyse. Richard Harvey, [16 Dec 2023 at 13:56:23]: Cystic ovaries certainly sound like a possibility, but ovarian tumours can also be possible. Surgical removal is probably the best course of action. Lutalyse may have an effect, but it depends if these are follicular or luteal cysts. GnRH analogues could be used if they are follicular cysts, but may not solve the problem in the long term. Erik Verrynne, [16 Dec 2023 at 13:59:52]: I have deslorelin implants. Is it too long-acting in the case of follicular cysts? Richard Harvey, [16 Dec 2023 at 15:00:17]: I must admit Erik I’m not 100% sure on that. I would assume the length of action is unlikely to be a problem in general, just depends on your situation. The biggest negative I would see is that it doesn’t solve the issue. Certainly, deslorelin for a follicular cyst would be a good choice as it should induce ovulation in the initial stimulation phase under action of LH, but there will be oestrus suppression afterwards which you may or may not want. Should it be a cyst though, unless she’s integral to a breeding plan, I would personally suggest surgical removal. Erik Verrynne, [16 Dec 2023 at 16:01:05]: Thank you! Much appreciated. Ulf Tubessing, [16 Dec 2023 at 19:28:58]: Erik, why not just spay the leopard? Should solve all problems and give you a diagnosis. Erik Verrynne, Hi Ulf. If there is any indication of a pyometra, then we will sterilize her. But we want to consider all the other options. She is looking fine at the moment and eating well. There have been no oestrus signs during the last two weeks.
