Histological evaluation of uterine tissue and blood factors in short-haired domestic cats before and after administration of Levovist® contrast agent

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of Clinical Sciences, Science and Research branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

One of the most effective methods to examine the reproductive system in female cats is using ultrasound devices. When it comes to domestic short-haired female cats, which have tiny uterine size and uterine horns, this evaluation can be challenging. In this study, we evaluated the histology of uterine tissue and blood factors in domestic short-haired cats before and after administering the Levovist contrast agent. The study examined 12 domestic short-haired cats of varying ages and weights that were brought to two veterinary centers in Tehran. Blood samples were taken from the cats via the cephalic vein, both before and after injecting the contrast agent into the uterus. Then, the complete blood count was done. Additionally, following tissue sampling, the uteruses of both treated and control cats (at the beginning and end of the treatment period) were examined using hematoxylin and eosin histology. Before and after the injection of Levovist contrast material, the complete blood counts of the cats remained within the normal range. Following the contrast material injection, the myometrium and endometrium became recognizable and observable. In all the examined cats, the uterine tissue exhibited normal and healthy conditions. The examination of blood and histological factors in the uterine tissue and uterine horns before and after the administration of the Levovist contrast agent did not reveal significant changes. The results indicated that the Levovist contrast agent is a safe drug for examining the uterus and uterine horns. 

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