Transvaginal uterine evisceration during labor in a Bengal queen

Abstract

Case summary A 2.5-year-old Bengal queen was admitted with a 12-h history of a mass protruding from the vulva during labor. At that time, three healthy kittens had already been delivered. Physical examination identified the mass as a portion of the uterus that was eviscerated without eversion of the mucosa. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a vaginal vault rupture with a large portion of the uterus herniated through the tear and eviscerated through the vulva. Ovariohysterectomy was performed, and a dead fetus was removed with the uterus. Reconstruction of the vaginal rupture required careful dissection and urethral catheterization. The queen recovered without complications. Relevance and novel information Uterine evisceration through a vaginal tear is a very rare condition that sometimes is erroneously referred to as ‘prolapse’. Uterine prolapse and uterine evisceration may have similar presenting signs; however, proper identification and surgical correction is key when the uterus is eviscerated. This case highlights the importance of differentiating these two conditions and of rapid identification and surgical intervention for successful patient survival.

Successful medical management of a vaginal wall tear in feline dystocia

“…In both cases, the cats experienced uterine evisceration through vaginal tearing with no colonic involvement, underwent exploratory laparotomy to repair the tear and survived to discharge. 17,18 While grading systems for vaginal wall tears are not officially defined in small animal medicine, the degree of injury in our patient was most consistent with a second-degree tear in a large animal patient. Treatment strategies for this level of injury are mixed, with surgical and medical management being options dependent on factors such as organ evisceration or contamination of the site.…”

“…In both cases, the cats experienced uterine evisceration through vaginal tearing with no colonic involvement, underwent exploratory laparotomy to repair the tear and survived to discharge. 17 , 18 …”

Feline breeding and pregnancy management: What is normal and when to intervene

“…Although very rare, cases of uterine evisceration through a vaginal tear have been described, without endometrial eversion, requiring prompt surgical intervention. 62–63…”