Infertility in the Female Cat

Axnér, E., E. Ågren, et al. (2008). "Infertility in the cycling queen: seven cases." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 10(6): 566-576.

There are many potential causes of infertility in cats, and investigation must take into account many factors, such as nutrition, housing, environment, management, and infectious diseases. This study evaluated 7 queens with a history of infertility despite normal estrous behavior and normal mating behavior. All queens were over 18 months of age, and had been mated at least 3 times with fertile males without pregnancy. A detailed medical and reproductive history for each queen was recorded. Each cat had a complete physical examination, vaginal swabs for culture and cytology, and blood samples for infectious diseases and hormone levels. The uterus and ovaries of each cat were examined with ultrasound. Four of the queens were treated with antibiotics, and 2 went on to successfully deliver kittens. Of the other 2 treated cats, one was not mated again, and one was mated unsuccessfully. One queen was spayed due to the discovery of uterine pathology. For 2 of the queens, no definitive diagnosis was established and no treatment was given. In summary, 4 of the queens were diagnosed with uterine pathology, while no definitive diagnosis could be established for the remaining 3 queens. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Axner, E. (2008). "Updates on reproductive physiology, genital diseases and artificial insemination in the domestic cat." Reprod Domest Anim 43 Suppl 2: 144-9.
>> PubMed Abstract

Romagnoli, S. (2003). "Clinical approach to infertility in the queen." J Fel Med Surg 5(2): 143-146.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook

Axnér, E., E. Ågren, et al. (2008). "Infertility in the cycling queen: seven cases." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 10(6): 566-576.

There are many potential causes of infertility in cats, and investigation must take into account many factors, such as nutrition, housing, environment, management, and infectious diseases. This study evaluated 7 queens with a history of infertility despite normal estrous behavior and normal mating behavior. All queens were over 18 months of age, and had been mated at least 3 times with fertile males without pregnancy. A detailed medical and reproductive history for each queen was recorded. Each cat had a complete physical examination, vaginal swabs for culture and cytology, and blood samples for infectious diseases and hormone levels. The uterus and ovaries of each cat were examined with ultrasound. Four of the queens were treated with antibiotics, and 2 went on to successfully deliver kittens. Of the other 2 treated cats, one was not mated again, and one was mated unsuccessfully. One queen was spayed due to the discovery of uterine pathology. For 2 of the queens, no definitive diagnosis was established and no treatment was given. In summary, 4 of the queens were diagnosed with uterine pathology, while no definitive diagnosis could be established for the remaining 3 queens. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Axner, E. (2008). "Updates on reproductive physiology, genital diseases and artificial insemination in the domestic cat." Reprod Domest Anim 43 Suppl 2: 144-9.
>> PubMed Abstract

Romagnoli, S. (2003). "Clinical approach to infertility in the queen." J Fel Med Surg 5(2): 143-146.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook

Read More

Pregnancy Testing in Cats Using Urine

de Haas van Dorsser, F. J., S. Lasano, et al. (2007). "Pregnancy diagnosis in cats using a rapid, bench-top kit to detect relaxin in urine." Reprod Domest Anim 42(1): 111-2.

Relaxin is a pregnancy-specific hormone in the queen, produced by the placenta. At least one company produces a blood test for pregnancy in cats based on relaxin. This study aimed to determine if urine could be used for rapid diagnosis of pregnancy using a simple in-house kit. The kit was able to detect pregnancy using urine samples from 28 days after mating, with some samples testing positive as early as 21 days. This opens the possibility that a commercially available kit could be marketed for the easy and rapid diagnosis of pregnancy in domestic cats. Similar work has also been published for the leopard (Panthera pardus).
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:

de Haas van Dorsser, F. J., W. F. Swanson, et al. (2006). "Development, validation, and application of a urinary relaxin radioimmunoassay for the diagnosis and monitoring of pregnancy in felids." Biol Reprod 74(6): 1090-5.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

de Haas van Dorsser, F. J., S. Lasano, et al. (2007). "Pregnancy diagnosis in cats using a rapid, bench-top kit to detect relaxin in urine." Reprod Domest Anim 42(1): 111-2.

Relaxin is a pregnancy-specific hormone in the queen, produced by the placenta. At least one company produces a blood test for pregnancy in cats based on relaxin. This study aimed to determine if urine could be used for rapid diagnosis of pregnancy using a simple in-house kit. The kit was able to detect pregnancy using urine samples from 28 days after mating, with some samples testing positive as early as 21 days. This opens the possibility that a commercially available kit could be marketed for the easy and rapid diagnosis of pregnancy in domestic cats. Similar work has also been published for the leopard (Panthera pardus).
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:

de Haas van Dorsser, F. J., W. F. Swanson, et al. (2006). "Development, validation, and application of a urinary relaxin radioimmunoassay for the diagnosis and monitoring of pregnancy in felids." Biol Reprod 74(6): 1090-5.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More