Use of fetal skeletal mineralization for prediction of parturition date in cats.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the relationship between parturition date and fetal skeletal mineralization detected radiographically in cats.


METHODS
Prospective clinical trial.


METHODS
31 queens and their 49 pregnancies.


METHODS
Seventeen pregnant queens were radiographed with a computed radiography system every 2 to 3 days from 1 week after pregnancy was identified by abdominal palpation until parturition. Radiographs were evaluated to determine the first identifiable mineralization of 16 bony structures and teeth during each pregnancy. This information was used to establish a table of expected parturition dates on the basis of fetal mineralization. Single radiographs from an additional 32 pregnant cats were evaluated, and predictions of parturition dates were made on the basis of the mineralization table.


RESULTS
Mineralization was first detected 25 to 29 days prior to parturition (dpp). Mineralization was determined for the spinal column (22 to 27 dpp), skull (21 to 27 dpp), ribs (20 to 25 dpp), scapula (17 to 24 dpp), humerus (20 to 24 dpp), femur (19 to 23 dpp), radius (15 to 22 dpp), tibia (15 to 21 dpp), ulna (5 to 21 dpp), pelvis (8 to 20 dpp), fibula (0 to 17 dpp), tail (8 to 16 dpp), metacarpals and metatarsals (3 to 14 dpp), phalanges (0 to 11 dpp), calcaneus (0 to 10 dpp), and teeth (1 to 6 dpp). Date of parturition was predictable within 3 days in 75% of cats.


CONCLUSIONS
Identification of bony structures in the fetus is useful in estimating the time to parturition in queens.
Haney
Davida R
DR
Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
Levy
Julie K
JK
Newell
Susan M
SM
Graham
John P
JP
Gorman
Shawn P
SP
D000818:Animals; D015519:Bone Density / Q000502:physiology*; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000196:embryology*; D002415:Cats / Q000196:embryology* / Q000502:physiology; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000502:physiology; D007743:Labor, Obstetric; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D011258:Pregnancy Tests / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D011270:Pregnancy, Animal / Q000502:physiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography