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 6 immature female DSH cats. After the selection of test items, echocardiography was performed on the cats before the ovariohysterectomy (D0) and ten days (D10), twenty days (D20), and thirty days (D30) 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 D10 (71.83%), D20 (71.00%), and D30 (69.83%) was significantly reduced compared to D0 (77.66%). The average CO at D10 (1.68 l/min), D20 (1.51 l/min), and D30 (1.5 l/min) was significantly reduced compared to D0 (2.05 l/min). However, the average FS at D10 (40.54%), D20 (40.50%), and D30 (39.33%) reduced compared to D0 (45.00%); 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.