Successful parturition and lactation after a deslorelin implant removal in a pregnant cat

Abstract

Case summary The aim of this clinical case presentation was to describe the effect of a 4.7 mg deslorelin implant placement in a pregnant queen during the second half of gestation, and the consequences of its removal on the pregnancy and parturition. A 5-year-old female cat exhibiting nesting behaviour and weight gain 10 days after placement of a deslorelin implant was presented for examination. Gestation was confirmed on ultrasound, with two well-formed kittens of a gestational age of approximately 7 weeks. The deslorelin implant placed on the umbilicus was removed 1 week later. No change in the pregnancy was observed after removal of the implant. The fetuses showed no signs of distress on ultrasound and radiography examination 4 days after removal of the implant. One week after implant removal, the queen naturally delivered two healthy kittens. The queen showed maternal behaviour with normal milk production. Relevance and novel information In the light of the lack of literature on implant injection and removal in the pregnant queen, this case report showcases a successful birth of healthy kittens without any subsequent adverse effect on the queen. Further study is needed to assess the safety of implant removal during pregnancy and potential use as a means to induce fertile oestrus in the queen.