Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Signs and ultrasound clues for ureter blockage in cats with kidney
By Beeston, D et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2023·Royal Veterinary College, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: The utility of clinicopathological findings and point-of-care ultrasound in increasing the index of suspicion of ureteral obstruction in azotaemic cats presenting to the emergency room.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of cats with kidney problems and high blood urea levels (azotaemia) were examined for signs of ureteral obstruction, which can block urine flow. In this study, 122 cats were assessed, and those with ureteral obstruction showed specific ultrasound findings, like swelling in the renal pelvis and low appetite. The ultrasound results helped veterinarians identify which cats were more likely to have this serious condition. Cats with renal pelvis swelling were found to be 39 times more likely to have a blockage compared to those with other kidney issues. Early detection through ultrasound can be crucial for treatment.
People also search for: cat kidney problems ultrasound · azotaemia in cats · ureteral obstruction symptoms in cats
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Ureteral obstruction is a common post-renal cause of azotaemia in cats. The objective of this study was to describe clinicopathological and point-of-care ultrasound findings in azotaemic cats that may increase the index of suspicion of ureteral obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective case-control study was conducted of azotaemic cats presenting to the emergency room of a referral teaching hospital. Cats were included if they were azotaemic and had point-of-care ultrasound and formal ultrasound performed. Cats were grouped into obstructed and non-obstructed groups based on formal specialist ultrasound and pyelography. Point-of-care ultrasound findings were described, including renal size and symmetry, renal pelvis dilation, perinephric fluid, and visualisation of the proximal ureter or calculi. Univariate analysis was performed to identify historical, biochemical and point-of-care ultrasound findings associated with ureteral obstruction before multivariate analysis. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-two azotaemic cats met the inclusion criteria. Seventy-four cats were included in the obstructed azotaemic group and 48 cats in the non-obstructed azotaemic groups. Point-of-care ultrasound abnormalities were detected in 60 of 74 (81.1%) obstructed cats and 18 of 48 (37.5%) non-obstructed cats. Renal pelvis dilation (odds ratio 38.8; 95% confidence interval 2.9 to 515), hyporexia (odds ratio 5.9; 95% confidence interval 1.15 to 30.13), hypercalcaemia (odds ratio 16.6; 95% confidence interval 1.2 to 223.0) and hypokalaemia (odds ratio 21.7; 1.33 to 354.62) were more likely to be associated with ureteral obstruction than non-obstructive disease. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Point-of-care ultrasound abnormalities are documented frequently in azotaemic cats with ureteral obstruction. Cats with renal pelvis dilation were 39 times more likely to have ureteral obstruction than non-obstructive acute kidney injury.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37565352/