History

Miss Kitty, a 9-month-old, intact, female domestic short-haired cat, presented with lethargy, vocalizing in the litter box, and bloody vaginal discharge of 3 days’ duration. The owners adopted Miss Kitty when she was 9 weeks of age. The kitten had not been vaccinated or dewormed, nor was she on any parasite preventive. Questioning revealed that, in addition to the presenting signs, Miss Kitty had been anorexic and vomiting for 3 days. She has been fed a dry over-the-counter cat food, and she had not been outside since adoption.

Physical Examination

The cat was bright, alert, and responsive on initial evaluation. Her temperature was 99.8°F (37.7°C), heart rate 180 beats/min, and respiratory rate 60 breaths/min, with a body condition score of 4/9. Mucous membranes were pale with a capillary refill time of 3 seconds. Flea comb examination revealed the presence of adult Ctenocephalides felis as well as flea frass. Cestode proglottids were present in the perineal region. A clear-to-pink vaginal discharge was noted. Abdominal palpation revealed cranial abdominal pain as well as a mildly enlarged and painful urinary bladder that was difficult to express.

Laboratory Diagnostics