Ureteral Obstruction in a Cat: Diagnosis and Treatment

A 14 year old female neutered cat, with problems of pollakiuria, stranguria, haematuria, urinary incontinence, and pain on the left abdominal wall since 1.5 year was presented at our clinic. in the past, both struvite and calciumoxalate crystals were found during urinary examination. During clinical examination at our clinic, abdominal palpation was painful, the right kidney was very good palpable and the bladder was not palpable.

Ultrasound of the abdomen showed a small left kidney with multiple mineralisations, and some ditches were seen on the cortex. in the left ureter echogenic material was seen with some mineralisations. the right kidney was 4,8 cm in diameter and showed no mineralisations. to determine the functionality of the kidney, a renogram was made. the left kidney excreted 11% of the urinary volume compared to 89% in the right kid- ney. these numbers show a hardly functional left kidney. Blood work was done to deter- mine kidney values, which were within the reference ranges, so the right kidney func- tioned well enough to compensate.

Following the diagnostic work, a ureteronefrectomy was performed, followed by a cystotomy to remove any concrements out of the bladder. the cat was sent home the day after, with oxybutinin and meloxicam as treatment. pathology showed no underly- ing cause for the urolithiasis.

Urolithiasis is a common problem in first line practice. unfortunately, not all veterinari- ans are familiar with the treatment options for this problem, in particular not with ure- teral stone problems. a simple stream diagram demonstrates that even first line practi- tioners can do more with these patients.