Ovarian Suture Granuloma Resembling a Tumor in a Bitch

Ovariohysterectomy is a common surgical procedure performed on female dogs throughout the world. One rare complication is the development of granulomas as a reaction to sutures. Granulomas can grossly and on diagnostic imaging mimic neoplasia, which can present a diagnostic challenge. We present a rare case of ovarian suture granuloma, which resembled a tumor on diagnostic imaging. A 5-year-old, spayed, mixed-breed bitch was presented for anorexia and apathy lasting for a week. On clinical examination fever, dehydration, enlarged lymph nodes, and a tense abdomen were evident. Radiology and ultrasound revealed a 9 cm x 7 cm mass at the location of the left ovary, presumed to be a tumor. The mass was removed on laparotomy and submitted for histopathology which diagnosed granulomatous inflammation as a reaction to a foreign body (most consistently with suture reaction). The current case presents a rare late complication of ovariohysterectomy in the form of a suture granuloma. The case emphasizes the need for additional diagnostic procedures for etiologic diagnosis of masses encountered in the abdomen, especially histopathology, as diagnostic imaging cannot distinguish inflammation from neoplasia.