Sweep is a seven month old British Shorthair. Her owners brought her to the vets for a check up at the end of December. Carole the vet examined Sweep and noticed that she had an umbilical hernia and recommended that this should be repaired when Sweep was neutered. However, Carole could also feel a fluid filled mass in the abdomen. Sweep was booked in for an ultrasound scan to investigate the mass
Sweep was admitted on the morning of 5th January and the ultrasound scan revealed a large fluid filled structure within the abdomen. The structure was cranial to (in front of) the bladder, but it was not possible to distinguish it further
Matt advised Sweep’s owners that to further diagnose and treat Sweep it would be necessary to operate. Sweep was placed on intra-venous fluid therapy to support her organs and keep her hydrated during the exploratory laprarotomy surgery (used to visualise the contents of the abdomen
During the surgery Matt found that the large structure seen on scan was actually one of the kidneys. The kidney was fluid filled causing it to become dilated and distended. Matt performed a nephrectomy, which means the kidney was removed. This involves tying off the ureter (urine tube) and the blood vessels that supply blood to the kidney.
Sweep has made an excellent recovery from the surgery and she is getting on brilliantly at home.
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| The large fluid filled kidney | The blood vessels and ureter were tied off | The kidney post surgery |
What is the benefit of an ultrasound scan?
- A painless test that uses sound waves to create images of organs inside the body.
- It is thought to be harmless.
- It helps to determine the size, shape and consistency of organs and can help detect abnormalities.
What is an Umbilical Hernia?
- The abdominal contents protrude through a defect in the abdominal wall.
- Usually occur at the umbilicus (belly button).
- It is an inherited condition, which usually requires surgical repair.
What do kidneys do?
- They ensure the body has balanced levels, of water, salt and acid.
- Help the body to get rid of waste, such as excess water, salt, urea & toxins.
- They produce hormones.
- Although the body has two kidneys it is possible to live with only one.
