Comparative Study for using Relaxin, Ultrasonography, and Abdominal Palpation for Pregnancy Diagnosis in Cats.

This study aimed to compare different methods for pregnancy diagnosis in cats.The study was conducted in two private veterinary clinics in Al-Hilla city.The study included 11 queens, with an average of 12.8 months, who were brought to the clinic for a pregnancy diagnosis.Pregnancy diagnosis was carried out by abdominal palpation, estimation of relaxin, and ultrasonography.Pregnancy diagnosis was carried out by estimation of Relaxin rapid test.An ultrasound device with a microconvex probe (3.5-5MHz) was used for pregnancy diagnosis.The results illustrated that 11 cases were detected as pregnant by abdominal palpation, while 9 cases were reported as pregnant when detected by ultrasonography and relaxation tests.The percentage of pregnancy rates in this study was 81%.The results showed that the efficiency of the relaxin kit was 100% in conformity with ultrasonography for positive and negative results.We conclude that the use of the Relaxin rapid test for pregnancy diagnosis in cats was accurate when made after 25 days of gestation with confirmation with ultrasonography.