Fetal anasarca in an Abyssinian kitten

Abstract

Case description A four-year old Abyssinian queen was presented to a reproductive specialist for dystocia. Clinical findings Physical examination and history of the queen was consistent with Stage II labor that has not progressed normally. Transabdominal ultrasound revealed an abnormal fetus with visible fluid accumulation in the thorax, abdomen and subcutaneous space, with no detectable heartbeat. Heart rates of the other two visible fetuses were measured and were found to be low or not detectable. Hematology and biochemistry analysis of the queen revealed mild decrease in the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, mild monocytosis and mild elevation of creatinine kinase. Treatment and outcome Cesarean section was performed soon after admission. Three kittens were born. The first kitten had no heartbeat and appeared grossly abnormal; significantly larger than the other two kittens, with marked accumulation of fluid subcutaneously, ascites and pleural effusion. Two remaining kittens required intensive neonatal resuscitation but survived and were discharged on the same day with the queen. Clinical relevance Fetal anasarca or hydrops fetalis has been reported in humans, dogs and ruminants but there have been no reported cases in the domestic cat.