Medicinal Dissolution of Nephroliths in a Cat.

Abstract

Nephrolithiasis is a relatively rare clinical disorder in dogs and cats. Only 5-7% of feline uroliths are diagnosed as nephroliths when they are examined in the laboratories. In dogs and cats, the majority of nephroliths appear to be clinically asymptomatic and do not need treatment. However, some nephroliths do develop complications and cause problems. There are several treatment options for nephrolithiasis, including lithotripsy, surgical removal, and medical dissolving. Animal nephroliths may be removed surgically via nephrolithotomy, pyelolithotomy, and nephrectomy. Even though quick nephrolith removal through surgery has been successful, there are a number of disadvantages. For these disadvantages, medical dissolution of nephroliths can be first option. If medicinal dissolution is not effective, then surgery can be considered. The objective of this report is to describe the diagnosis and medicinal dissolution of nephroliths in a Persian cat. A 3-year-old Persian cat was brought to the TTPHRC with a history of weight loss, blood loss and saliva secretion. Physical examination revealed abnormal right kidney during palpation. Then in the ultrasonography, there was presence of acoustic shadow. Abdominal radiography revealed radiodense nephroliths at the same time. It could be infection-induced struvite as struvite results in relatively large radiodense nephroliths, same is this case. Conservative medical therapy was considered. The nephroliths were dissolved with a calculolytic, acidifying diet and antibiotic was given as adjunct.