Surgical Management of Dystocia due to Inguinal Hernia in a Cat

A six years old wild cat was reported with complaint of soft fluctuating swelling in the inguinal area. The cat was straining for last few days and size of swelling increased gradually. The cat showed tendency of resting in recumbent position. On palpation, a hard structure could be felt inside the swelling. The blood picture showed increased values of haemoglobin, total leucocytic count, neutrophil and packed cell volume. The radiograph showed radio-opaque shadow of kitten skeleton in the uterus in inguinal region. The presence of gravid uterus into the inguinal swelling suggested. The cat was prepared for surgery and anaesthetized by combination of Xylazine and Ketamine. A curvilinear para-median incision was given at the base of inguinal swelling followed by an incision over the body of gravid horn and mummified foetus was removed from the uterus. The uterine horn was sutured followed by narrowing of the widened inguinal canal. The overlying muscle layer and skin were closed in a routine manner.The cat started taking liquid diet on second day of surgery and made an uneventful recovery after two weeks of surgery.