Delayed Presentation and Emergency Caesarean Section in a Domestic Shorthair Queen with Prolonged Dystocia: a case report

Feline dystocia presents a significant reproductive emergency that endangers both queen and kittens, with uterine inertia accounting for approximately 67% of cases. Despite advances in veterinary obstetrics, delayed presentation of feline dystocia remains inadequately documented, particularly regarding management outcomes when intervention occurs after prolonged labour. This case report aimed to document the management and outcomes of emergency Caesarean Section in an 18-month-old primiparous Domestic Shorthair (DSH) queen presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Ibadan, with a history of incomplete parturition after delivering only one kitten three days prior. Physical and clinical examination revealed lethargy, hyperthermia (39.9°C), tachycardia (144 bpm), tachypnoea (136 bpm), abdominal distension, serosanguinous vulvar discharge, and complete absence of abdominal contractions. Haematological parameters were within normal limits, and ultrasonography confirmed multiple intrauterine foetuses with varying viability. Following stabilization, an emergency Caesarean Section under combined Xylazine and Atropine sedation, and Lidocaine locally infiltrated along the incision site was performed, which delivered four viable kittens requiring immediate intensive care and seven non-viable kittens. Intravenous fluids, analgesics, and oral antibiotics were administered postoperative. The queen showed an uneventful recovery and resumed normal activities within 24 hours of the surgery. This case shows that timely surgical intervention can successfully treat prolonged dystocia even after a delayed presentation, potentially saving viable newborns and ensuring the survival of the mother. Early veterinary presentation should be emphasized in queens showing signs of dystocia.