Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Computed tomography and nephrotomy in a Warmblood stallion with bilateral nephrolithiasis.
- Journal:
- Journal of equine veterinary science
- Year:
- 2025
- Authors:
- Schlote, M T et al.
- Affiliation:
- Equine Clinic · Germany
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A Warmblood stallion weighing 460 kg was brought in because he was losing weight and had high levels of calcium and waste products in his blood. An ultrasound showed bright spots in both kidneys, and a solid mass was found during a rectal exam on the left side. To get a clearer picture, veterinarians used a CT scan, which helped them see the size and location of the kidney stones. They decided to perform surgery on the right kidney, but unfortunately, the horse developed an infection at the surgery site and had to be euthanized three weeks later. While the CT scan was helpful for planning the surgery, the outcome was not successful.
Abstract
This case report describes the use of computed tomography for the diagnosis and surgical planning in a horse with bilateral nephrolithiasis. An adult Warmblood stallion (460 kg) was presented with chronic weight loss, hypercalcemia and azotemia. Ultrasonographic examination identified hyperechoic masses in both kidneys and dilation of the right renal pelvis. A solid mass was evident upon transrectal examination on the left side. Computed tomography (CT) of the caudal abdomen was performed and provided good quality images that facilitated exact determination of the size, position and extent of renal mineralization. The nephrolith of the right kidney was better demarcated when compared to the one of the left kidney and was therefore selected for nephrotomy. The horse developed a surgical site infection that led to euthanasia 3 weeks post-surgery. CT of the caudal abdomen in an adult horse is feasible and the three-dimensional understanding of renal mineralization provided a great advantage for the selection and planning of the most appropriate treatment option.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40505787/