Caesarean section followed by ovariohysterectomy in a Bangladeshi domestic cat: A surgical intervention for management of dystocia due to partial primary uterine inertia

Abstract

Background: The incidence of dystocia in cats is relatively low compared to that in other pet and farm animals. However, when dystocia occurs in cats, manual, medicinal or surgical intervention is required. Objectives: Here, we report a caesarean section (C-section) in a Bangladeshi domestic cat that suffered from dystocia due to partial primary uterine inertia. Methods: A Bangladeshi domestic queen cat was presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) with signs of dystocia. The queen had given birth to one kitten 36 hr earlier; however, newborn died 30 min after birth. She was unable to deliver the remaining fetuses. The cat had gone off feed, appeared depressed, had a severely enlarged abdomen and showed no straining efforts. On palpation, bony-like structures were felt in both sides of the abdomen. Ultrasonographic (USG) examination was carried out, which confirmed the presence of two fetuses, one fetus in each uterine horn. No fetal movements could be detected. The cat was diagnosed with dystocia due to partial primary uterine inertia. Results: A C-section was performed, and two emphysematous, putrefied and large dead kittens were removed. The uterus was found to be severely decomposed and foul smelling; therefore, an ovariohysterectomy was carried out to prevent development of maternal toxaemia and septicaemia. The queen recovered fully. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, we report here, for the first time, a successful C-section followed by an ovariohysterectomy in a Bangladeshi domestic cat, suffering from severe dystocia due to partial primary uterine inertia for >36 hr.