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Spontaneous Abortion in Cats
What is Spontaneous Abortion?
Only purebred cats have a predisposition for non-infectious related spontaneous abortion during pregnancy. However, cats that have previously experienced complications during pregnancy have a higher risk for spontaneous abortion.
Pregnant cats that experience spontaneous abortion may do so for a number of reasons, including bacterial or viral infection, disease, and reproductive issues. Spontaneous abortion is more common in the later stages of the pregnancy, and may not affect all the kittens of a litter.
Spontaneous Abortion Average Cost
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Average Cost
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Symptoms of Spontaneous Abortion in Cats
Some cats that have had a spontaneous abortion may not show any symptoms at all. The most common symptom observed in cases of abortion is abnormal vaginal bleeding. You’ll need to seek immediate veterinary attention as soon as you notice any of the following symptoms in your cat:
- Abnormal bleeding from the vagina
- Discharge or pus in the vaginal area
- Going back into heat/estrus
- Delivered fetal or placental tissue*
- Smaller abdominal size
- Signs of pain or discomfort
- Depression
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Dehydration
*It is imperative that you do not touch any aborted fetal or placental material with your bare hands, as some infectious causes of spontaneous abortion can spread to humans. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you have any doubts about disposing of this material in a sanitary manner.
Causes of Spontaneous Abortion in Cats
There is a myriad of causes for spontaneous abortion in cats. Cats that have suffered from pregnancy complications in the past have an increased risk of spontaneous abortion. Purebred cats, due to a history of inbreeding, also have a higher chance of experiencing spontaneous abortion than mixed breeds.
Many infectious diseases can also cause spontaneous abortion. Some of the most common viral infections that are causative of spontaneous abortion include feline herpesvirus, feline immunodeficiency virus, and feline leukemia. Certain species of bacteria and protozoa may also spread from the vagina into the womb during breeding, resulting in spontaneous abortion.
Reproductive issues may also be responsible for spontaneous abortion in felines. These issues can include but are not limited to, hormonal conditions, genetic defects within the fetus, problems with placenta development, dystocia, and endometrial disease.
Some spontaneous abortions may not be caused by disease or the reproductive system at all. Extreme malnutrition, stress, and trauma can also play a role in abortion. In some cases, abortion can be caused by systemic diseases affecting other parts of the body. Certain types of medications can also cause spontaneous abortion in cats.
Diagnosis of Spontaneous Abortion in Cats
Be sure to inform the vet of the extent and duration of your cat’s symptoms, any currently prescribed medications, and any previous spontaneous abortions or pregnancy problems. They may request a complete medical history, so be prepared to provide it.
Your vet will make a definitive diagnosis by performing an x-ray of the abdomen to determine whether any fetuses still remain in the womb. The vet will also test for other underlying diseases during this time, and may utilize a number of diagnostic methods, including blood count, urinalysis, and a test for feline leukemia virus.
Treatment of Spontaneous Abortion in Cats
The method of treatment will vary depending on the cause. Treatment may be more or less invasive depending on whether or not the cause is infectious. Your vet will advise you on the best course of treatment based on your cat’s specific needs.
Infectious Causes
Abortions caused by underlying illness or infection may require hospitalization. Affected cats must be isolated in order to prevent spread of the disease. Specific treatment will vary based on the underlying disease or infection. If your cat has developed dehydration, intravenous fluid therapy may also be utilized.
Non-infectious Causes
Surgery may be required for cats suffering from certain conditions, particularly inflammation in the reproductive organs, or if the spontaneous abortion is life-threatening. Drug therapy, specifically terbutaline, may also be required to ensure the pregnancy endures. In some cases, treatment may not be necessary for otherwise healthy cats that have experienced spontaneous abortion.
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Recovery of Spontaneous Abortion in Cats
Recovery and prognosis will depend on the underlying cause of spontaneous abortion in your cat. Always follow your vet’s post-treatment instructions carefully.
If your cat has been prescribed antibiotics for a bacterial infection, it is imperative that you administer the medication for the entire recommended duration of treatment, even if the symptoms begin to clear up. Failure to do so may result in aggressive recurrence of the infection and future reproductive problems.
The vet will likely schedule one or several follow-up appointment(s), particularly if your cat has been prescribed terbutaline or another drug to maintain the pregnancy. In these cases, an ultrasound will be required once a week to monitor the progress of the pregnancy.
Spontaneous Abortion Average Cost
From 521 quotes ranging from $200 - $1,500
Average Cost
$500
Top
Spontaneous Abortion Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Bengal
5m
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vaginal Discharge
vaginal discharge in large amounts. Day 4. Day 1 to 3 small amounts. Presented originally as white. Now day 4 peach colored. Temp 100.9. Acting normal. Eating drinking normal. No heat yet. 5 months old
Aug. 16, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
0 Recommendations
Hello, This could be signs of your cat coming into heat. They are usually acting normal at first. If your cat ever becomes lethargic or not eating, it would be best to see your vet as your cat may have an infection.
Aug. 16, 2020
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Affenpinscher
One Year
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Painful Urination
My cat is pregnant. Since yesterday till now she is bleeding. She eats as usual and there is no symptoms of pain. All vets are closed near me due to corona virus. How can i help her. She is my all
July 10, 2020
Answered by Dr. Ellen M. DVM
1 Recommendations
Hi there, I am so sorry to hear about your cat.
I understand that open vet offices might be hard to find because of COVID-19, but this sounds like an emergency. Veterinary clinics are still considered essential business and many are still seeing emergency and sick appointments. If you can't find a general practice to see her, I recommend finding an emergency veterinary clinic that is open. I recommend having her seen right away.
If you are worried about urgent issues such as this in the future, please call an emergency veterinary clinic right away, as it can take a couple of days to get a response on this platform and it is not meant for urgent medical issues.
I really hope everything is okay with your cat!
July 11, 2020
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DMH
Nora
3 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Spontaneous Abortion
She is my foster. A pregnant (early term) cat who was hit by a car. She has a broken jaw and minor injuries. She is eating right now as she snorts the babies. I don't know if she needs an emergency clinic. Local vet is closed for the holiday.
I do have buprenorohine from our vet to give her if needed
May 28, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
I'm not sure from your message what exactlyl is happening with Nora, but if she is pregnant, has been hit by a car, and is aborting he rpregnancy, she does need medical care and should be seen at an emergency clinic as soon as possible. I hope this poor girl is okay.
May 28, 2018
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common breed
Malu
4 Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Muscle Twitching
Muscle Twitching And Licking Pelvic
the cat has muscle twitches and licks her tail and pelvic area frequently. The cat is also showing signs of fear and wanting to hide and always wants to be in proximity of a human being for protection. Are these signs of rabies infection?
Nov. 24, 2017
2 Recommendations
Muscle twitching, behavioural changes and other symptoms are possible symptoms of rabies in cats; the symptoms which Malu is presenting may also be indicative of other infections, cerebellar disorders, head trauma, other trauma, some types of poisoning among other causes. You should have Malu checked by your Veterinarian to determine the underlying cause, also read our page about rabies in cats which is linked below. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
https://wagwalking.com/cat/condition/rabies
Nov. 24, 2017
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Calico
Enah
7 yrs
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Licking At Genitals
Not Active
My 7 yr old cat showed enlarged nipples and a larger lump on the side of her belly and did the meowing and nesting. . Now the large lump is gone she has stopped eating and won't come out of hiding. She is licking her vagina a lot.
Did she miscarry and could the placenta still be inside her.
July 26, 2017
0 Recommendations
Do you know how long Enah was pregnant for? Typically 62-67 days is the normal gestation length in cats. Usually the first sign of spontaneous abortion would be vaginal bleeding or discharge along with expelled membranes or foetuses, fever, loss of appetite and changes in behaviour. If you have any concerns about retained membranes, miscarriage or any other birthing difficulties, visit your Veterinarian immediately. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 26, 2017
My Persian cat aborted (I think) her litter last night her due date was June 17th... there were 6 kittens ( 4 were born alive) she is a petite girl..very healthy.. could the number of kittens caused this.lack of room in the uterus..
the kittens were developed but, had no hair...
June 1, 2018
Heather S.
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Maine Coon
Kiki
2 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Aborted
My two year old cat was in the later stage of pregnancy and just aborted 3 kittens. One kitten was severely deformed. The second kitten looked like it had possible died about a week ago as it was almost completely formed but then stopped. The third kitten looked perfectly healthy and normal but also passed due mostly to it's age (undeveloped lungs). Mamma cat has abandoned her kittens and is eating, drinking and going potty just fine. She does not seem unhealthy in any way. I cannot feel any other kittens and she is no longer in labor. What would cause this to happen?
Spontaneous Abortion Average Cost
From 521 quotes ranging from $200 - $1,500
Average Cost
$500
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
