Hyperplastic and atrophic changes in the genital tract of a female cat following repeated treatment with deslorelin acetate – a case report

Gabriele Marino,Giuseppe Catone,Cecilia Vullo,Alessandra Sfacteria,Stefania Di Giorgio,Antonina Zanghì

doi:10.2754/avb202190020207

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the morphological patterns of the genital tract after long-term treatment of deslorelin acetate in a female cat, a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist currently used in adult cats to obtain transient oestrus suppression. A 1-year-old Chartreux female cat was treated with 4.7 mg deslorelin acetate to suppress oestrus manifestations. The treatment was repeated for a total of × 3 every 2 years. After 8 years, the female cat came into oestrus again, but she was no more implanted, and an ovariohysterectomy was performed. Before surgery, an ultrasound examination was performed that showed a normal uterus and the presence of about 5 follicles in ovaries. Concentrations of oestradiol, progesterone, and vaginal smears were compatible with oestrus. During surgery, a very short ovarian pedicle was observed yet neither uterus nor ovaries presented appreciable alterations. At histology, the ovaries presented a juvenile appearance with numerous primordial and periovulatory follicles. The uterus showed marked endometrial hyperplasia with polypoid projection and atrophic myometrium. Based on this case report, deslorelin acetate is a powerful drug able to preserve ovarian function. However, the suppression of gonadotrophin, especially for a long period, has a detrimental atrophic effect on the target organs during treatment and, on the opposite, hyperplastic changes may occur after the restoring of normal cyclicity.

Highlights

This study aimed to investigate the morphological patterns of the genital tract after long-term treatment of deslorelin acetate in a female cat, a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist currently used in adult cats to obtain transient oestrus suppression
In 2013, a new study on 20 queens implanted with 4.7 mg deslorelin acetate recorded a duration of efficacy varying between 16 and 37 months; but two queens died during the treatment for other causes and, in another queen, the implant was still effective at the end of the study (GoerickePesch et al 2013)
This study has investigated the effects on the genital tract after repeated treatments of deslorelin acetate in a female cat

Summary

Introduction

This study aimed to investigate the morphological patterns of the genital tract after long-term treatment of deslorelin acetate in a female cat, a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist currently used in adult cats to obtain transient oestrus suppression. A 1-year-old Chartreux female cat was treated with 4.7 mg deslorelin acetate to suppress oestrus manifestations. The uterus showed marked endometrial hyperplasia with polypoid projection and atrophic myometrium Based on this case report, deslorelin acetate is a powerful drug able to preserve ovarian function. The literature review on deslorelin implant in female cats seems to indicate that after a single treatment, oestrus is suppressed for about 16 months and fertility may be restored with a satisfactory litter production. A Chartreux female cat at the age of 1 year was implanted with deslorelin 4.7 mg (Suprelorin, Virbac, Carros, France) to suppress oestrus manifestations. On the cross section, the endometrium developed broad base polypoid structures protruding in the dilated lumen (Plate XV, Fig. 3) These structures, made up of endometrial stroma and cystic glands, showed extensive haemorrhagic areas. The myometrium appeared extremely thinner in some areas, quite atrophic for most of the transversal section of the uterine horn

Objectives

Conclusion