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Infertility in the cycling queen: seven cases
Eva Axnér1, Estelle Agren, Viveca Båverud
1Department of Clinical Sciences, PO Box 7054, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden. eva.axner@kv.slu.se
Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery
|July 8, 2008
Summary
This study investigated infertility in seven queens, finding uterine pathology in four. Antibiotic treatment led to successful litters in two cats with diagnosed uterine issues.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Reproductive Biology
- Feline Health
Background:
- Infertility in domestic cats (queens) can stem from various reproductive and systemic issues.
- Understanding the causes of infertility is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment in feline reproduction.
Observation:
- Seven queens with normal oestrous cycles but infertility post-mating underwent comprehensive diagnostics.
- Evaluations included clinical exams, cytology, hormone levels (oestradiol, progesterone, T4), bacterial cultures, ultrasonography, and serology for Chlamydia and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV).
Findings:
- Ovariohysterectomy (OHE) was recommended for one queen due to pathological uterine changes identified via ultrasonography and clinical examination.
- Four queens received antibiotic treatment; two subsequently produced more litters. One treated queen, not mated again, later showed degenerative uterine changes upon OHE.
- No definitive diagnosis was established for three queens, two of whom underwent OHE, revealing degenerative uterine changes in one.
Implications:
- Uterine pathology is a significant factor in feline infertility, treatable in some cases with antibiotics.
- A portion of infertility cases in queens may remain idiopathic or present with subtle pathological changes.
- Further research into feline reproductive disorders and diagnostic refinement is warranted.
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