Uterine issues in infertile queens: Nine cases

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Reproductive Biology
• Animal Science

Background:

• Feline infertility presents diagnostic challenges.
• Uterine health is crucial for successful pregnancy and kitten viability.
• Purebred queens with unexplained infertility require thorough reproductive investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate potential uterine pathologies contributing to infertility in purebred queens.
• To identify specific uterine conditions affecting conception, embryonic development, and pregnancy maintenance.
• To correlate clinical, ultrasonographic, and histological findings in infertile queens.

Main Methods:

• Prospective case series involving nine infertile purebred queens.
• Examinations included vaginal and urine bacteriology, cytology, and ultrasonography.
• Histological analysis of uterine biopsies or ovariohysterectomy specimens was performed.

Main Results:

• Endometrial hyperplasia was the most frequent histological finding (6/9 queens), including one case of cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH).
• Vaginal bacteria were common, but uterine cultures were negative except in a pyometra case.
• Ultrasonography revealed abnormalities in some queens, including CEH, a follicular cyst, and fetal resorptions.

Conclusions:

• Histologic endometrial hyperplasia is a significant finding in infertile queens.
• Uterine disease, especially endometrial hyperplasia, may substantially contribute to feline infertility.
• Further research into uterine pathologies is warranted to improve feline reproductive success.