Evaluation of Cardiac Structure and Function Changes Following Ovariohysterectomy by Echocardiographic Measurements in Immature Cats

The aim of this study was conducted to identify the short-term effects of ovariohysterectomy on the heart of immature cats using echocardiography. This longitudinal study was conducted on a sample consisting of ۶ immature female DSH cats. After the selection of test items, echocardiography was performed on the cats before the ovariohysterectomy (D۰) and ten days (D۱۰), twenty days (D۲۰), and thirty days (D۳۰) after the ovariohysterectomy. Cardiac parameters, including fractional shortening (FS), ejection fraction (EF), cardiac output (CO), left atrial-to-aortic root diameter ratio (LA/Ao), and left ventricular wall thickness to interventricular septum ratio (LVWD/IVS) was measured. Results indicated that the average EF at D۱۰ (۷۱.۸۳%), D۲۰ (۷۱.۰۰%), and D۳۰ (۶۹.۸۳%) was significantly reduced compared to D۰ (۷۷.۶۶%). The average CO at D۱۰ (۱.۶۸ l/min), D۲۰ (۱.۵۱ l/min), and D۳۰ (۱.۵ l/min) was significantly reduced compared to D۰ (۲.۰۵ l/min). However, the average FS at D۱۰ (۴۰.۵۴%), D۲۰ (۴۰.۵۰%), and D۳۰ (۳۹.۳۳%) reduced compared to D۰ (۴۵.۰۰%); the reduction was not statistically significant. The average Ao/LA and LVPW/IVS remained unchanged during the study (without noticeable changes). Ovariohysterectomy negatively impacts cardiac function; accordingly, special care and follow-up during sterility are essential for maintaining cardiac health.

Keywords:

Cardiac output , Cat , Ejection fraction , Fractional shortening