Infertility in the cycling queen: seven cases

Abstract

In this study we examined seven queens with normal oestrous cycles and a history of infertility after normal matings. We performed clinical examination, vaginal cytology, evaluation of oestradiol, progesterone and total T4 levels, vaginal bacterial culture, ultrasonography, and serum analyses for detection of antibodies against chlamydia and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) antigenemia. Ovariohysterectomy (OHE) was recommended for 1/7 queens because of pathological uterine changes detected at ultrasonography and clinical examination. Four out of seven queens were treated with antibiotics and two of these had more litters. One of the queens that were treated was not mated again and one was mated without conceiving and was at a later OHE found to have degenerative uterine changes. No treatment was given and no diagnosis could be established in 2/7 queens. Both of them were later ovariohysterectomised and one showed degenerative uterine changes while the uterus of the other queen could not be obtained for follow-up. In summary, 4/7 cats were diagnosed with uterine pathology and no definitive diagnosis could be established for 3/7 queens.

Fig 1

Cat 4. Uterus measuring 7 mm in diameter with uneven echogenicity of the wall and anechoic fluid in the lumen (between the pointers). This cat had a tentative diagnosis of endometritis based on the vaginal discharge. After OHE 29 months later the uterus was found to have undergone chronic degenerative changes.

Fig 2

Cat 4, dilated uterine glands.

Fig 3

Cat 5. Uterus measuring 4 mm in diameter with even echogenicity of the wall. This cat had a tentative diagnosis of mild endometritis based on the vaginal discharge but was ovariohysterectomised without being mated again. The uterus was lost to follow-up, which is why no definitive diagnosis could be made.