Renal abscesses in cats: six cases

Abstract

Case series summary Six cats were diagnosed with renal abscesses. Common clinical findings were lethargy, dehydration, abdominal pain and nephromegaly. Fever was noted in half of the cases. Diagnosis was established by ultrasonography, cytological examination and bacterial culture of abscess aspirates. At least one possible contributing factor could be identified in all cases. Antibiotics were consistently used and in two cats the abscess was surgically drained. The short-term outcome was fair but the long-term outcome was dependent on the underlying condition. Relevance and novel information The results of this small case series suggest that renal abscess should be considered when nephromegaly and/or abdominal discomfort are noted. Diagnosis of renal abscess is straightforward when ultrasonography and fine-needle aspirate analysis can be performed. Medical treatment is assumed to be preferable but surgical treatment may be warranted on a case-by-case basis. Given that almost every affected cat was diagnosed with at least one comorbidity, a thorough evaluation is recommended for all cats with renal abscesses.

Urinary tract infection and subclinical bacteriuria in cats: A clinical update

“…8,9 Most commonly, pyelonephritis is caused by an ascending bacterial infection from the distal urinary tract. 10 The development of renal abscesses as a consequence of ascending infection has also been described in a case series of six cats 11 More restrictive use of antimicrobials is urgently needed.…”

Feline abdominal ultrasonography: what’s normal? what’s abnormal? The kidneys and perinephric space

“…Therefore, a thorough medical assessment is recommended following a diagnosis of renal abscessation on ultrasound. 68 Bilateral perirenal abscesses have also been reported in a male neutered domestic shorthair cat. 69 In this case, abdominal ultrasonography revealed the presence of a bilateral perirenal subcapsular accumulation of fluid containing echogenic debris.…”

“…[68][69][70] In a series of six cats with renal abscessation, all cats were middle-aged to older and presented with a hypoechoic, and occasionally heterogeneous, rounded lesion (the abscess) within the kidney on ultrasound examination. 68 of the infection resulted in the presence of a hypoechoic subcapsular effusion. In each case, ultrasound-guided aspiration of the lesion yielded purulent material, confirming the diagnosis of abscessation.…”

“…Renal and perirenal abscessation Renal abscesses are rare in cats but have occasionally been reported. 68–70 In a series of six cats with renal abscessation, all cats were middle-aged to older and presented with a hypoechoic, and occasionally heterogeneous, rounded lesion (the abscess) within the kidney on ultrasound examination. 68 Lesions were generally thick-walled and cavitary.…”

“…68–70 In a series of six cats with renal abscessation, all cats were middle-aged to older and presented with a hypoechoic, and occasionally heterogeneous, rounded lesion (the abscess) within the kidney on ultrasound examination. 68 Lesions were generally thick-walled and cavitary. In three cats, concurrent perirenal extension of the infection resulted in the presence of a hypoechoic subcapsular effusion.…”