Surgery to treat fetal tissue decay after pregnancy loss in a cat

Abstract

Foetal maceration is a pregnancy pathology occasionally observed in cats following intrauterine foetal death, characterised by septic decomposition of foetal tissues, resulting in the exposure of foetal bones. This report describes the clinical management of foetal maceration in a cat and scrutinizes the findings with relevant literature to inform practice. A domestic shorthair queen, over 1 year of age and in its third parity, was presented with prolonged gestation, abdominal distension, fetid vaginal discharge, anorexia and general weakness, accompanied by a history of abortion during its first pregnancy. Prior to presentation, the cat had been treated with oxytocin, although it failed to induce parturition. At presentation, no considerable changes were observed in the cat's primary clinical and haematobiochemical parameters. Clinical examinations indicated mild dehydration and palpable firm structures with associated pain in the abdominopelvic region. Abdominal radiography and ultrasonography confirmed the presence of foetal structures, while ultrasonography also indicated the absence of foetal movements and heartbeats. Laparotomy revealed gravid uterine horns devoid of foetal pulsations, and further ovariohysterectomy was conducted to address the condition. Upon incision of the excised uterine horns, two macerated foetuses, in an advanced stage of putrefaction, were identified. The queen recovered uneventfully following postoperative medications and management, with complete wound healing observed 3 weeks post-surgery. In brief, foetal maceration may result in prolonged gestation in cats and surgical intervention, such as ovariohysterectomy, can be an effective treatment option, particularly when breeding is not a priority, thereby preventing further uterine conditions.