Feline dystocia: A Case report

Document Type : Case Report

Authors

Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

10.22103/VCBR.2025.25148.1063

Abstract

The duration of parturition in cats has been reported to last up to 42 hours, and cats possess a zonary placenta. Feline dystocia is defined as an abnormality in the birth canal, including pelvic stenosis or incomplete cervical dilation, occurring within 6 to 12 hours after the onset of labor. The management of dystocia depends on the underlying etiology, findings from the physical examination, and the type of uterine inertia, ranging from manual vaginal manipulation to cesarean section—typically accompanied by the administration of oxytocin and calcium gluconate. A pregnant cat presenting with dystocia was referred to the veterinary clinic at Shahid Chamran University in Ahvaz. Following aseptic preparation of the perineal and maintenance of aseptic conditions, a thorough physical examination and ultrasonography were performed. Two dead fetuses were identified in sonogram. The obstetrician manually located the remaining fetuses and repositioned them in alignment with the birth canal. Using lubricating gel to facilitate fetal expulsion and employing obstetrical forceps with gentle, intermittent traction to prevent fetal trauma, the fetuses and their attached placentas were carefully extracted. The fetuses were in a posterior and longitudinal presentation, and the obstetrician successfully performed fetal extraction. One week later, with the administration of prescribed pharmacotherapeutics and adherence to a recommended dietary regimen, the queen's general condition was restored to full health, and uterine discharge was devoid of blood and purulent material.

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References

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Veterinary and Comparative Biomedical Research
Volume 3, Issue 1
March 2026
Pages 66-69

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