Page 1164 - Problem-Based Feline Medicine

1156 PART 14 QUEEN AND KITTEN WITH PROBLEMS

It is currently poorly understood whether Chlamydophila Clinical signs
causes abortion, stillbirths and infertility.
A failure to exhibit estrus behavior despite all cir-
● Abortion has been associated with outbreaks of
cumstances appearing to be normal. Stature of the
Chlamydophila conjunctivitis in catteries, however
queen may be small.
it has not been well documented that it was the
cause of the abortion. Normal estrus behavior but the queen will not permit
● The mechanism by which Chlamydophila could intromission.
cause abortion or infertility in cats is not known.
Normal estrus and mating behavior but there is no
It may be similar to that in people and some live-
resulting pregnancy.
stock species, or it could be secondary to systemic
inflammation and pyrexia.
Diagnosis Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on history and physical examination Diagnosis is based on history, especially regarding
with signs typical of Chlamydophila infection. signs of estrus and attempts at mating, and physical
examination to determine if there is a barrier to intro-
The PCR test is a very sensitive test for detecting
mission.
Chlamydophila felis infection and is now the preferred
test in the clinical situation. The method of specimen Contrast radiography of the reproductive tract.
collections is described above for herpes virus. ● This is best done at estrus as at this time the cervix
is open and the contrast is able to travel up the uter-
ine horns to test their patency.
CONGENITAL ABNORMALITIES
Karyotyping to check for chromosomal abnormalities.
Classical signs Usually 10 ml of heparinized blood at room tempera-
ture sent within 24 hours of collection is required, but
● Failure to exhibit estrus behavior.
check with the nearest cytogenetics laboratory for their
● Failure to permit mating.
sample requirements.
● Normal mating but no pregnancy.
A laparotomy to examine the reproductive tract
may be required. It is useful to take biopsies of the
Pathogenesis
ovaries and uterus at this time.
A variety of congenital abnormalities, resulting in dif-
ferent signs, can result in infertility.
Differential diagnosis
A structural abnormality of the female reproductive
tract may prevent normal intromission. Causes of anestrus such as:
● Inadequate photoperiod. See if the queen comes
Structural abnormalities may result in a barrier to the
into estrus after ensuring at least 14 hours of bright
movement of sperm up the tract, although there is
light per day. The queen should start estrus cycles
normal mating.
after about 1–2 months.
● Missing or non-patent portions of the tract have
● Environmental stress-induced suppression of
been reported.
estrus. Over-crowding causes a higher frequency of
Chromosomal abnormalities such as X-monosomy aberrant social behavior, lowers resistance to dis-
(37,XO), which has been associated with small stature ease and there may be poor nutrition resulting from
and small non-functional ovaries (ovarian dysgenesis) food competition. If such problems are suspected,
and 38,XX/57,XXY, which has produced herma- plus there is anestrus, then check conditions at the
phroditism. cattery.