Use of contraceptives in cats with ovarian and uterine pathology

Abstract

Regulation of the reproductive capacity of cats using megestrol acetate (a gestagenic preparation) contributes to the development of pathological processes in the uterus, ovaries, and imbalance of gonadal hormones. Therefore, it is essential to investigate and scientifically substantiate the pathogenetic processes in the body of cats under medical contraception. The purpose of this study was to substantiate the pathomorphological changes and dynamics of certain blood parameters in the body of cats under the use of megestrol acetate. The study employed clinical (examination, palpation), laboratory (haematological, biochemical, hormonal), morphological (examination of the genital organs of cats amputated during ovariohysterectomy) methods. A decrease in ovarian size in hypotrophic cats by 11.3×9.05% was found compared to the ovaries of healthy cats. The dependence of megestrol acetate administration on the occurrence of cystic formations in the ovaries was found, with an increase in ovaries in the experimental group by 1.7×2.47 times in follicular cysts and by 1.9×3.1 and 2.5×3.9 times in luteal cysts and polycystic cysts, respectively. It was found that the uterus in cats with megestrol acetate was increased by 3.16×1.93 times in the right horn and 2.84×2.1 times in the left horn compared to the uterus of healthy cats. The dynamics of progesterone (increase by 37.85%), follicle-stimulating hormone (decrease by 43.75%) and oestradiol (increase by 72.15%) were determined in comparison with intact animals. The increase in serum glucose levels in cats after megestrol administration by 34.31%, total protein by 25.0% and creatinine by 11.10%, aspartate aminotransferase by 43.84% (1.78 times) and alanine aminotransferase by 49.84% (1.99 times), and serum urea by 58.71% was substantiated. At the same time, haemoglobin levels decreased by 16.5%. The findings of this study can be used in the development of new methods and regimens of medical contraception with minimisation of risks of complications of the reproductive system, regulation of reproductive capacity, and prevention of infertility in cats

Keywords

• contraceptives
• gestagens
• megestrol acetate
• cysts
• pyometra
• endometritis