Treatment of Fetal Maceration in Persian Cat with Ovariohysterectomy: A Case Report

Abstract

Fetal maceration is a pregnancy complication characterized by intrauterine fetal death and retention of fetal tissue, resulting in autolysis and decay due to bacterial invasion. This case report was aimed  to describe the diagnosis and management of fetal maceration in a 2-year-old female Persian cat who came to the Sidoarjo Pet Center Clinic with symptoms of weakness, abdominal distension and odorous mucopurulent discharge from the vulva. Physical examination showed fever, pale mucous membranes, and abdominal pain on palpation. Ultrasonography examination revealed a heterogeneous hyperechoic structure in the uterine lumen with visualization of the fetal head still visible, accompanied by fetal bone fragments and debris, indicating fetal maceration. Hematology examination showed leukocytosis, anemia and thrombocytopenia, while blood biochemistry results showed hypoalbuminemia, hypoproteinemia and hypocalcemia. This case was managed with an ovariohysterectomy procedure as definitive therapy to remove the infected uterus, followed by postoperative therapy with Marbofloxacyn 8 mg q24h for seven days, Meloxicam 0.4 mg q24h for five days, and Albumin q24h for seven days. Clinical improvement began to be seen on the 3^rd postoperative day and the surgical wound showed good healing with the sutures draining on the 5^th day. This case report emphasizes the importance of early detection of pregnancy complications in cats, especially in the Persian breed which has a higher risk of reproductive disorders, and emphasizes the role of ultrasonography and ovariohysterectomy as the primary diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in cases of fetal maceration.