Veterinary Record (1996) 138, 163 COMPLICATIONS of ovariohysterectomy in the dog and cat include intraoperative haemorrhage, uterine stump pyometra, ovarian remnant syndrome, accidental ureteral ligation, vaginoureteral fistulation, fistulous tracts and granulomas of the uterine and ovarian stumps (Pearson 1970, 1973, Teal 1972, Dorn and Swist 1977, Berzon 1979, Pearson and Gibbs 1980, Spackman and others 1984, Fingland 1990). This report documents severe constipation in a cat resulting from entrapment of the descending colon by adhesions to uterine horn remnants.An 18-month-old, domestic short-haired cat had undergone an ovariohysterectomy via a ventral midline incision 10 weeks previously. Three days before presentation, lethargy, inappetence and non-productive faecal tenesmus developed. Initial clinical examination was unremarkable except for marked colonic impaction. A soapy enema was administered, but the impaction recurred over the following week.On second presentation, the cat appeared underweight with a staring coat. Its rectal temperature was normal, but abdominal palpation revealed faecal impaction of the colon. Routine haematological and biochemical analyses revealed no significant abnormalities. Serological examination for feline leukaemia virus antigen and feline immunodeficiency virus antibody was negative. General anaesthesia was induced using propofol (Rapinovet; Mallinckrodt Veterinary) and maintained using halothane (Halothane M&B; Rh6ne M6rieux). After repeating the enema, rectal examination revealed stenosis at the colorectal junction.Lateral and ventrodorsal survey radiographs of the caudal abdomen were unremarkable with no evidence of pelvic fractures or other bony abnormalities. A barium enema was administered using 40 ml of 50 per cent w/v barium sulphate suspension (Baritop 100; Bioglan) diluted with normal saline. Radiographs of the caudal abdomen were then repeated, showing a symmetrical transverse narrowing of the distal descending colon, approximately 0.5 cm in length (Fig 1).Three days later, general anaesthesia was induced in the same way, the patient prepared for aseptic surgery and a caudal midline laparotomy performed. Inspection of the caudal abdomen showed the presence of the uterine body and short sections (approximately 2 cm long) of both uterine horns. The transected part of each uterine horn was associated with an area of yellowish discoloration together with scarring attached to the broad ligament of the uterus, the lateral ligament of the bladder and the mesocolon. As both uterine horn remnants were attached to either side of the mesocolon, a circular band was formed around the colon, limiting the potential for dilation. There were no adhesions to the serosal surface of the colon itself, which could be moved cranially and caudally within the constricting band. The fibrous attachments to the uterine horns were broken down using a combination of blunt and sharp dissection. Care was required to avoid damage to the ureters. After freeing the uterine horns, a transfixion l...