Calcium oxalate ureterolithiasis in a cat / Ureterolitíase por oxalato de cálcio em gato

ABSTRACT

Background: Uroliths in ureters are seldom seen in cats and, according to our knowledge, there are no reports of ureterolithiasis in this specie in our country. The radiography and ultrasound should be used in combination to improve the sensitivity to 90% in detecting ureteral calculi in cats. The aim of this study is to report a case of ureterolithiasis in a cat, emphasizing the importance of appropriate use of diagnostic imaging to identify the cause of nephropathy, enabling the return of the renal function.Case A 7-year-old female cat, was referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul with history of weight loss for two months and previous diagnosis of chronic kidney insufficiency. In blood work, it was found total calcium and creatinine increase. At x-ray evaluation, it was found two radiopaques structures on the right kidney, consistent with uroliths and the presence of a small radiopaque structure in the region of the left ureter. Ultrasound exam indicated two hyperechoic structures in the right renal pelvis, forming acoustic shadowing suggestive of lithiasis. The left kidney showed partial loss of renal parenchyma by distention of the pelvis for anechogenic homogeneous content compatible with hydronephrosis. It was also observed dilated left ureter in its proximal third. After three days, the animal was subjected to...

RESUMO

Aproximadamente 98% dos cálculos localizados nos ureteres de gatos contêm oxalato de cálcio [5]. No entanto, menos de 7% dos urólitos de oxalato de cálcio encontram-se nos ureteres desta espécie [7]. Gatos com ureterolitíase podem apresentar vômito, inatividade, depressão e dor abdominal. Se houver obstrução ureteral, o animal pode desenvolver azotemia devido à redução aguda ou gradual da função renal [8]. A realização de exames complementares como a radiografia e a ultrassonografia abdominais é recomendada para alcançar o correto diagnóstico e a exata localização do urólito [2]. A remoção cirúrgica é indicada caso haja obstrução, dor, aumento no tamanho e no número de urólitos [3]. O presente trabalho visa relatar a ocorrência de um urólito de oxalato de cálcio localizado no ureter de um gato, enfatizando a importância do diagnóstico por imagem para instituição do tratamento adequado e a resolução da insuficiência renal...