Unravelling feline hydrometra, diagnostic approaches and surgical management in a cat.

Hydrometra is the accumulation of fluid in the uterine lumen. It is an uncommon condition in the queens, associated with pseudopregnancy and persistent corpus luteum. This report describes a case of hydrometra in a 2-year-old queen presented for pregnancy diagnosis two months after mating. Ultrasonography showed anechoic fluid in the uterus but no foetal structures. On ovariohysterectomy, distended uterine horns measuring 16.2 and 14.3 cm in length and 4.6 cm in diameter containing 610 mL of fluid and follicular cysts were present on the ovaries. Pre-surgical serum progesterone (P4) was 2.11 ng/mL, while post-surgical level declined to 1.42 ng/mL. Microbiological culture yielded Escherichia coli and Streptobacillus spp. The haemogram parameters were within physiologic limits. This case highlights the importance of hormonal assays and diagnostic imaging in differentiating hydrometra from pregnancy and other pseudopregnacies. Progesterone role in hydrometra is established but that of Streptobacillus spp. requires further investigation. This report contributes to the limited literature on hydrometra in queens, emphasising the need for increased awareness and research among veterinary practitioners. Further studies on the interplay of prostaglandin, relaxin, oxytocin and the unusual microbiological finding is recommended. Timely intervention is necessary in hydrometra to avoid complications.