Uterine torsion in a full-term pregnant cat

Recognizing uterine torsion as a differential diagnosis in pregnant cats with severe anemia to provide appropriate and timely care in the absence of a definitive presurgical diagnosis

A pregnant female domestic longhair cat ~8 mo of age was referred to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) for a diagnostic evaluation of severe anemia (PCV: 10.8%) after a 2-day period of lethargy. A CBC, serum biochemistry profile, FeLV/FIV testing, and abdominal radiographs were completed and did not determine a cause for the anemia. Abdominal ultrasonography identified 1 viable and 6 nonviable and fetuses, anechoic fluid in the uterus, and a mild volume of peritoneal effusion. A whole-blood transfusion and C-section with ovariohysterectomy were performed even though a definitive presurgical diagnosis for the anemia had not yet been established. Exploratory surgery revealed a left uterine horn torsion with a necrotic base, severe congestion, and 7 nonviable fetuses. Following surgery, the queen made a full clinical recovery. Key clinical message: Uterine torsion can be easily overlooked as a cause of severe anemia due to the relative infrequency of this condition in cats and the low sensitivity of ultrasonography to provide a definitive presurgical diagnosis. Client communication must emphasize the need for a prompt surgical intervention to establish the diagnosis and to save the cat, despite poor rates of neonatal survival. Once the animal is stabilized after surgery, further diagnostic tests and procedures are indicated if the cause of anemia has not yet been identified.

Feline breeding and pregnancy management: What is normal and when to intervene

Practical relevance:

Cats are common pets worldwide. Successful breeding of cats starts with the selection of suitable breeding animals, and care should be taken to avoid inbreeding. Keeping cats in smaller groups reduces stress and facilitates management.

Clinical challenges:

Breeding cats is challenging in many ways. Group housing is a common scenario, and care should be taken not to have groups that are too large, because of the risk of stress and infectious diseases. Feline pregnancy and parturition both vary in length, which is one reason why it may be challenging to diagnose dystocia. In queens with pyometra, a vaginal discharge may not be evident due to their meticulous cleaning habits.

Audience:

This review is aimed at clinicians in small animal practice, especially those in contact with cat breeders.

Patient group:

Reproductive emergencies occur in both intentionally and unintentionally bred cats, and more often in young or middle-aged queens. Pyometra tends to be a disease of older queens.

Evidence base:

Evidence is poor for many conditions in the breeding queen, and information is extrapolated from the dog or based on case reports and case series.

Uterine Leiomyosarcoma Associated with Cystic Endometrial Polyps, Chondriod Metaplasia and Uterine Horn Intussusception in a Greater Cane Rat (Thryonomys swinderianus)

A rare case of uterine leiomyosarcoma associated with chondriod metaplasia, cystic endometrial polyps and uterine horn intussusception in a greater cane rat was macroscopically, histopathologically, immuno-histochemically and ultrastructurally evaluated. The histopathological findings for this tumour were similar to those for leiomyosarcomas described in other species. Immunohistochemical examination demonstrated positive immunoreactivity of neoplastic cells with α-smooth muscle actin, desmin and vimentin. Ultrastructurally, nuclear and cytoplasmic features were consistent with leiomyosarcoma. These results revealed the tumour to be of smooth muscle origin. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of uterine leiomyosarcoma associated with cystic endometrial polyps, chondriod metaplasia and uterine horn intussusception in a greater cane rat.