Infertility In Toms: Clinical approach, experiences and challenges

Abstract

Practical relevance: An infertile tom used to be a relatively rare presentation in feline practice. However, as a result of breeding strategies targeting specific morphological/behavioural traits, and the influence of inbreeding (especially practised in rare breeds), among other factors, feline infertility has become a genuine clinical problem. Furthermore, increased interest among cat breeders and pet owners in diagnosing and treating an ‘unsuccessful’ tom (including using assisted reproductive techniques [ARTs]), has made such patients more commonplace in veterinary practice. Clinical challenges: A definitive cause for male infertility is often difficult to identify. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of fertility-based reference values for semen quality and hormone levels. Moreover, the literature in this field is scant and many reproductive tract conditions described in other species have not been reported in cats. The establishment of diagnostic tools and algorithms is essential to facilitate a reliable assessment of fertility potential. Global importance: There is a growing demand for appropriate veterinary care relating to feline reproduction. There is an expectation among breeders, particularly of pedigree cats of high breeding value, that the same options widely used for dogs (including ARTs) should also be available for cats. Equipment and technical skills: Equipment required for investigating male infertility includes a microscope and ultrasound machine; a blood analyser may also be useful, but samples can instead be sent to a laboratory. The skills required are often already performed by veterinarians; for example, catheterising the urethra, performing ultrasonography and blood sampling. Evidence base: There are some reports of fertility problems in male cats in the literature, but this area of feline reproduction is still relatively undeveloped. This review draws on the comprehensive knowledge developed and shared by specialists in this field, and is supported by the authors’ own clinical experience.

Reproductive Management in Catteries: Optimising health and wellbeing through veterinarian-breeder collaboration

“…For further discussion, see the accompanying review on infertility in toms. 196 ANSWERS AND DISCUSSION 1 (a), (b), (c) Starting aglepristone treatment on day 39 of pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of not successfully terminating pregnancy completely. Earlier treatment (latest at day 30, though preferably around day 25; or at day 5/6 after the observed mismating) is recommended.…”

Infertility In Queens: Clinical approach, experiences and challenges

“…In addition to infertility in queens, infertility in the tom cat is also a frequent cause of reproductive failure and is the focus of an accompanying review in this series. 4…”

“…on page 826. in addition to infertility in queens, infertility in the tom cat is also a frequent cause of reproductive failure and is the focus of an accompanying review in this series. 4 Cytological evaluation of exfoliated vaginal cells should be a common procedure in feline gynaecology. It is very useful to help determine the stage of the cycle (oestrus, interoestrus, anoestrus) (Figure 1) or to detect vaginal inflammation (Figure 2).…”