Dystocia caused by spinal paraplegia in a cat with superfetation

Abstract

Dystocia is commonly encountered gynecological problem in veterinary medicine. The cause of dystocia is usually maternally fractured pelvis, inadequate uterine contractions, etc.; fetally it is caused by oversized fetus, fetal malpresentation, malformations and deaths [1]. Although superfetation is generally not common, it describes the mating and fertilization if a pregnant female shows an estrus again [1,2]. En-block overiohystectomy is a safe and effective alternative technique that allows cesarean and sterilization in cats and dogs with dystocia [1]. As reported in humans, the spinal paraplegia may lead to in the motor activity of abdominal muscles and in the autonomic nervous system, which prevents the normal birth process[3]. In this presented case, it has been emphasized that dystocia due to spinal paraplegia can be observed in cats, and superfetation is possible in paralyzed cats mated at different times.