Dystocia affects 3% to 8% of purebred feline pregnancies and is harder to estimate in nonpedigree cats. It poses risks to both queens and kittens, with higher kitten mortality than natural births. The causes and treatments are poorly understood, and current guidelines often mirror canine medicine. Diagnosing dystocia in cats is challenging because of the wide variation in labor duration and frequent unplanned pregnancies, making due dates uncertain. Prior studies are limited and rarely assess kitten outcomes.

 recently published a study that investigates the occurrence and management of dystocia in cats, based on an evaluation of 111 cases treated for the condition at a Swedish animal hospital, from 2017 to 2024. The study confirms that feline dystocia is associated with high kitten mortality but low mortality in queens.

This retrospective study describes feline dystocia cases by examining hematology, serum biochemistry, and diagnostic imaging findings. Additionally, the study aimed to compare the outcomes of various treatments and assess kitten mortality in relation to factors linked to feline dystocia.

The study highlights that most feline dystocia cases are maternal in origin, with uterine inertia being the leading cause. Despite high kitten mortality, often because of stillbirths occurring before treatment, queen survival rates remain high. The fact that many deaths occurred before veterinary care suggests that complications likely began early in labor. Surgical intervention, particularly cesarean delivery (CD), was commonly performed. Ovariohysterectomy was more frequently performed in queens with a history of CD, suggesting a risk of recurrence.

Additionally, the study found that maternal hyperglycemia was associated with increased kitten mortality, likely reflecting stress rather than endocrine disease, while maternal anemia showed no significant impact. Hypocalcemia contributed to dystocia in a minority of cases. Although medical treatment had low overall success, it showed promise in some nonobstructive cases, especially when fewer than 3 fetuses remained. Treatment with calcium, alone or in combination with oxytocin, was effective even in normocalcemic queens, suggesting benefits beyond correcting hypocalcemia by enhancing uterine contractility. Although diagnostic imaging is crucial for a reliable diagnosis in managing dystocia, the study showed that ultrasound can overestimate fetal death, particularly in stressed queens.

The study also found that Ragdolls and British short- or longhair cats were the most represented pedigree breeds among dystocia cases. However, their high numbers may simply reflect their popularity in Sweden rather than a true predisposition to dystocia. Therefore, it remains difficult to assess true dystocia risk by breed because of limitations in data reliability and population distribution.

Overall, the study provides valuable clinical insights into the management of feline dystocia and offers important guidance for reproductive planning. Investigators suggest breeders should be advised of the long-term reproductive risks associated with queens that have experienced dystocia. Clinicians should anticipate and be prepared for surgical intervention while recognizing the potential role of medical treatment in select cases. Timely assessment and prompt decision-making are important to minimize fetal and maternal complications.

Additionally, clinicians should interpret diagnostic imaging with caution and consider repeat imaging or integrating additional diagnostics, according to investigators. These insights contribute to a more informed, evidence-based approach to managing this challenging and often urgent condition in feline practice.

 is a 2025 PharmD candidate studying veterinary medicine at the University of Connecticut in Storrs.

Axnér E, Jakobsson J, Vermelin T, Hermansson U. A retrospective study on dystocia in the cat, evaluation of 111 cases. 

. 2025;67(1):20. doi:10.1186/s13028-025-00805-w

Articles

A new study aims to improve understanding of occurrence and management of the condition

Inside the challenges of feline dystocia

Veterinary diagnostics are evolving fast - AI has the potential to make tests quicker, smarter, and more accurate. From blood analysis to imaging, innovations like Vetscan OptiCell™ and Vetscan Imagyst® are changing the game. Abhay Nayak, President of Global Diagnostics at Zoetis, gives his insights.

The Future of Artificial Intelligence in Veterinary Diagnostics

Veterinary medicine is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by advancements in technology and the growing complexity of pet care. Veterinarians today face a range of challenges, from increasing caseloads and workforce shortages to the need for faster, more accurate diagnostics. As the profession evolves, innovation in diagnostic tools is becoming a critical part of improving patient outcomes and streamlining veterinary workflows.

Clinics are often operating under significant time constraints, with veterinarians needing to make quick and informed decisions while managing a high volume of patients. At the same time, accuracy in diagnostics remains paramount to ensuring the best possible care. Traditional methods can be time-consuming and prone to variability, leading to delays in treatment or the need for additional testing.

One area where artificial intelligence (AI) is making an impact is hematology, with advanced analyzers able to detect and identify blood cell abnormalities with a level of speed and precision that was previously unattainable in routine veterinary practice.

Beyond hematology, AI is also playing a role in areas such as urinalysis and imaging. By integrating AI into diagnostic platforms, veterinary practices can reduce the burden on staff while enhancing their ability to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions. Additionally, connectivity solutions are improving data accessibility, ensuring that veterinarians have the information they need at their fingertips to make timely and effective clinical decisions.

Understanding the needs of veterinarians is at the core of Zoetis' approach. Every new technology stem from a deep commitment to addressing challenges in the field and enhancing daily operations.

For example, the newest innovation to come from Zoetis Diagnostics, Vetscan OptiCell™, combines innovative technology with AI-powered processing and minimal maintenance to provide automated completed blood count (CBC) analysis.

“Vetscan OptiCell is a wonderful new introduction that builds on the innovation roadmap we've had until now,” explains Abhay Nayak, President of Global Diagnostics at Zoetis. “It's modern technology like AI that makes workflow incredibly simple, but more importantly, it really elevates the standards of care in the practice.”

, Zoetis continues to push the boundaries of veterinary diagnostics with its 

 platform. The promise of Imagyst was continuous innovation, and the company has delivered. The introduction of AI-driven applications like 

Vetscan Imagyst AI Urine Sediment Analysi

 connectivity platform have further strengthened the ecosystem, providing veterinary professionals with powerful tools to enhance diagnostic efficiency.

While AI-driven diagnostics are still evolving, the potential for the technology is immense. As adoption grows, these innovations will not only improve operational efficiency but also elevate the standard of care, making advanced diagnostics more accessible to veterinary practices of all sizes.

The future of veterinary medicine lies in leveraging technology to support veterinarians in their mission to provide high-quality care — helping them navigate the challenges of today while preparing for the demands of tomorrow.

With AI-driven diagnostics at the forefront, the future of veterinary medicine is brighter than ever.

Here, Abhay Nayak, President of Global Diagnostics at Zoetis, discusses how diagnostic capabilities are evolving, highlighting the company's expanding portfolio.

Lee Pope, DVM, discusses dosage tips to share with clients in a dvm360 interview.

Client education for compounded drugs

Veterinarians often have questions about compounded drugs. In an interview with 

, Lee Pope, DVM, a veterinary consultant with Revelation Animal Health, a division of Revelation Pharma, shared answers to common questions about compounded drugs. In this video, Pope discusses how to educate pet owners about administering compounded drugs to their pets, and why it’s important to provide detailed instructions to clients.

The following is a transcript of the video:

[Go] over the prescription with the client about how to give it and [give] specific details. So if it's a compound in medicine that I'm having sent to your house, then "Hey, I'm going to have some methimazole sent to your house. Topical methimazole is…one of our most common compounds in medications—I'm going to have some topical methimazole sent to your house. Just follow the label." I would be nervous to tell a client that. So, educate them. I'm going to send this medication, in my opinion, not just saying "Give it 2 times a day." Well, 10 AM and 11 AM are 2 times a day, or 10 AM and 2 PM are 2 times a day. So [be] very specific, so there's no gray zone. "I want you to give this [drug] every 12 hours. I want you to alternate ears, apply wearing gloves." Go over with them what they're expected [to do]. So this way, when they get the medication, there's no surprise. And if there is something different, they can say, "Well, doctor said to do it every 12 hours, but this dosage just says give it once a day.’ They know something maybe is a little different and they can call the clinic to figure out what's going on.

Videos

Lee Pope, DVM, discusses dosage tips to share with pet owners in a dvm360 interview.

With May marking Mental Health Awareness Month, Aaron Shaw, OTR/L, CHT, CSCS is sharing this 5-minute tip for managing stress

 Wellness Tip of the Week: One breath, one step outside

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month this May, Aaron Shaw, OTR/L, CHT, CSCS, healthspan coach and host of the podcast 

will  share 1 wellness tip each week that veterinary professionals can incorporate into their daily routines.

To kick off the first day of Mental Health Awareness Month, this week, Shaw is providing a 5-minute wellness tip for managing stress on busy days and shares the science behind its effectiveness.

Hey, everyone, Aaron Shaw here with your Wellness Tip of the Week. If today feels like one of those classic, overwhelming, super busy days and you feel stressed out and on edge—on super high alert, try this:

, being out in nature can lower the activity of your sympathetic nervous system. This is the fight-or-flight response, so get out in nature, regardless of the weather, just get out. Four or 5 minutes can lower the activity of this fight-or-flight response.

Even better, when you take a deep breath in and a slow breath out, just that single slow breath will activate your vagus nerve. This is really going to help your body regulate the hyperactivity in our body and mind.

So, the key here, long inhale in and an even slower exhale. Exhale as slow as you can, essentially. And just by the simple 1 or 2 minutes of doing that, you are going to quiet your nervous system down, decrease your stress. And no, it's not a full vacation, but mental health isn't an all-or-nothing situation. It's something that we have to deal with day in and day out.

So, take one for yourself today. You're worth it. Give it some practice.

With May marking Mental Health Awareness Month, Aaron Shaw, OTR/L, CHT, CSCS, shares this 5-minute tip for managing stress

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a technique used in humans primarily  to treat 

 infection. FMT uses healthy donor feces to modify the recipient’s gut microbial ecosystem to confer a health benefit. This technique is beginning to gain traction in the veterinary world with companion animals. This is usually a well-tolerated, minimally invasive process that can help improve a pet's gut microbiome.

Multiple factors go into the process of collecting and preparing for FMT. The first step is selecting and screening a donor. There are several screening recommendations that include, but are not limited to, being clinically healthy, having no history of current or chronic gastrointestinal (GI) signs, being at least  12 months old and younger than 75% of expected lifespan, and passing infectious diseases and microbiome screenings. Once a donor is selected, naturally voided feces from the donor are stored at -80℃ until they can be processed.

The processing steps can include multiple rounds of centrifugation and filtration before the material is lyophilized (freeze-dried) into a powder that can be encapsulated. Once the FMT is encapsulated, it can be used for various GI diseases, including parvovirus enteritis, chronic inflammatory enteropathy, canine acute idiopathic diarrhea, and other disease states still under investigation. FMTs can be administered rectally or orally, depending on the indication. Donor screening and dosing can be modified on a case-by-case basis to tailor to the recipient's needs.

Although most animal studies for FMT have had limited population sizes, investigators have seen promising results in the treatment of felines and canines. Future research is necessary to explore how the microbial variability from FMTs impacts the recipient's microbiome and clinical outcomes across multiple disease states. The Companion Animal FMT Consortium is a group of veterinary experts paving the way for more research into FMT. It has developed the first clinical guidelines for FMT preparation in companion animals. With a standardized process to obtain and process fecal matter properly, many of our furry companions can receive treatment for various GI-related conditions through fecal microbiota transplantation.

 is a 2025 PharmD candidate studying veterinary pharmacy at the University of Connecticut in Storrs.

Winston J, Suchodolski JS, Gaschen F, Verocai GG, Werner M. Clinical Guidelines for Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Companion Animals. 

. 2024;5(1),79-107. doi:10.1016/j.yasa.2024.06.006

Randolph NK, Salerno M, Klein H, Diaz-Campos D, van Balen JC, Winston JA. Preparation of fecal microbiota transplantation products for companion animals. 

. 2025;20(4):e0319161. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0319161

Researchers have seen promising study results for treatment in felines and canines.

Using fecal microbiota transplantation to improve gut health 

Dechra announced today that it has received FDA approval for its marbofloxacin, terbinafine, and dexamethasone otic suspension (Ostiserene; Dechra) to treat canine patients with otitis externa. This new product is a single-dose and long-acting medication that utilizes the antibiotic marbofloxacin, which is FDA approved itself for use in canine and feline patients with bacterial infections, especially in the bladder, kidneys, prostate, or skin.

“With Otiserene, we will leverage the proven track record of marbofloxacin, now as part of a single-dose, long-acting solution for the treatment of challenging and recurrent canine otitis externa,” said Laura Olsen, president, North America, Dechra, in an organizational release.

 “This addition not only expands Dechra’s dermatology offerings, it also adds a convenient, broad-spectrum option for veterinarians to use with confidence on their most challenging patients, ultimately fortifying the special bond that people share with their dogs.”

: Dechra launches antibiotic-free otitis externa treatment

According to the release, the product will provide veterinary professionals, patients, and clients the benefits of a treatment that is single-dose and long-acting with a higher-tier antibiotic and power steroid.

 The combination of these products makes the product designed for tough, long-lasting, and recurrent otitis cases in the veterinary clinic.

Ostiserene contains 15.1 mg marbofloxacin, 22.7 mg terbinafine (which is equivalent to 25.5 mg terbinafine hydrochloride), and 2.01 dexamethasone, and inactive ingredients include mineral oil and paraffin. The product is indicated to treat otitis externa that is associated with susceptible strains of yeast (

“I think treating otitis externa is so challenging because there's no one-size-fits-all remedy. It's very case-dependent, patient-dependent, client-dependent. So it's difficult because you have to be able to pivot and MacGyver things. And I think that's why some people don't like it. It's why I like it, because I get to tinker around and change things. But I think the lack of a simple easy answer is what makes it so tricky,” Julia Miller, DVM, DACVD, said in a previous interview with 

"There are a lot of things owners can do. I think, No. 1, it's really important that they have a good relationship with a veterinarian who can help guide them into the correct steps that will work for their specific dog, because the vet is going to be able to say 'This is what's going on with your pet,'” she concluded.

Ostiserene was evaluated against a vehicle control in a randomized and well-controlled masked field study.

 The study contained 232 client-owned canine patients with otitis externa in the United States. At day 30 of the trial, 71.3% of the dogs in the study treated with Otiserene displayed signs of clinical improvements in ulceration, redness, swelling, and exudative discharge compared to the 26.3% in the control group.

This new product needs to be administered by a veterinary professional. It is given in one dose (one tube) per affected ear (ears) and must be shaken before administering. Canine patients regardless of size and weight receive the same dose, which comes in a premeasured single-dose tube to help ensure patients in need of this treatment get the right dose every time.

Otiserene is not for use in feline patients, and it is recommended to restrain the canine patient to minimize postapplication head shaking. This product will be available to purchase for veterinarians in select veterinary distributors later this year. Any veterinary professional interested in obtaining the full Safety Data Sheet can contact Dechra at 1-866-933-2472.

Dechra Announces FDA Approval of Otiserene® (marbofloxacin, terbinafine, and dexamethasone otic suspension) the latest treatment for canine otitis externa. News release. Dechra. May 1, 2025. Accessed May 1, 2025. 

https://www.dechra-us.com/news/2025/may/fda-approval-of-otiserene

Howe S. Marbofloxacin (Zeniquin). petMD. February 27, 2023. Accessed May 1, 2025. 

https://www.petmd.com/pet-medication/marbofloxacin-zeniquin

Yankowicz S. The challenges of treating otitis externa. 

.  December 3, 2023. Accessed May 1, 2025. https://www.dvm360.com/view/the-challenges-of-treating-otitis-externa

Dechra’s Otiserene is a single-dose, long-acting product that utilizes marbofloxacin