Failure to conceive in the queen

A 13-month-old Persian queen was presented for infertility. She had been bred on two consecutive oestrous cycles on day 1 of oestrus, and on both occasions had developed a purulent vulvar discharge shortly after breeding. Treatment by the private veterinarian had included parenteral antibiotics and vaginal medications. Upon presentation to the Small Animal Reproduction Service, a complete clinical, diagnostic imaging and laboratory investigation failed to demonstrate evidence of a reproductive tract disease. Therefore, at a subsequent cycle breeding was attempted on day 3 of oestrus. The queen conceived and delivered six kittens by caesarean section. The initial inability of this queen to conceive appears to have resulted from inappropriate management practice.