En Bloc Ovariohysterectomy for the Management of Feline Dystocia Due to Partial Primary Uterine Inertia: A Case Report

Abstract

En bloc ovariohysterectomy is a surgical technique that involves the removal of the ovaries and uterus as a single unit, prior to the delivery of fetuses. A 4-year-old, nondescript cat named “Butulu,” weighing 2.5 kg, was presented to the Veterinary Clinic in Bishoftu, Ethiopia, with a history of dystocia during her second parity. The cat had delivered one dead kitten 19 h prior to presentation and was unable to deliver the remaining litter. Clinical signs included lethargy, depression, abdominal distension, and absence of straining. On external abdominal palpation, firm masses were detected bilaterally within the abdominal cavity. Based on the clinical history and physical examination, the condition was diagnosed as feline dystocia, attributed to partial primary uterine inertia. The patient underwent en bloc ovariohysterectomy under general anesthesia. The postoperative recovery was uneventful, and the cat exhibited complete clinical recovery 12 days after surgery.