Secondary Vulvar Hemorrhage After Ovariohysterectomy: Case Report of a Poorly Understood Complication

Secondary vulvar hemorrhage, also commonly referred to as uterine artery erosion, is a poorly understood postoperative complication of ovariohysterectomy. This report describes a case involving delayed vulvar hemorrhage beginning 6 days after an adult dog was spayed, culminating in fatal bleeding during a rescue procedure on day 12 post-operatively. A hemoabdomen was not present. Histopathology of the uterine stump revealed suppurative and chronic mural inflammation with vascular involvement. This is the first histopathologic description of this condition. The fatal outcome underscores the need for greater understanding of processes involved in delayed vulvar bleeding post-ovariohysterectomy. Additionally, early recognition and prompt surgical intervention may support better patient outcomes in suspected cases of secondary vulvar hemorrhage.