Ultrasonographic measurements of the combined thickness of uterus and placenta (CTUP) during normal and compromised pregnancies of non-descript cats

Abstract

The present study was carried out to assess the combined thickness of uterus and placenta (CTUP) in normal and compromised pregnancies of cats. The 12 queens presented with the history of breeding more than four weeks were screened by transabdominal ultrasonography for confirmation of pregnancy. And, based on the clinical findings and ultrasonographic evidence, the animals were divided into two groups. Group I comprised of six queens with viable foetuses, and Group II comprised of six queens with compromised pregnancy characterised by non-viable conceptus in utero and/or abnormal vulvar discharge. All animals were monitored at weekly intervals until the end of gestation. The combined thickness of uterus and placenta (CTUP) increased significantly (p< 0.01) from 5th to 9th week of normal gestation (3.37±0.04 mm; 3.79±0.03 mm; 4.33±0.04 mm; 4.66±0.06 mm; 5.02±0.04 mm). In compromised pregnancies, CTUP was markedly higher (p< 0.01) during the 8th week (6.23±0.13 mm) compared to normal pregnancies of the same period. These findings suggest that CTUP may serve as a valuable ultrasonographic parameter for assessing placental development and identifying pregnancies at risk in cats.