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Renomegaly in Cats

Renomegaly is a condition in which one or both kidneys are abnormally large, confirmed by abdominal palpation, ultrasounds, or X-rays. The cat's respiratory, nervous, hormonal, urinary and digestive systems are all affected by this condition.

In addition, renomegaly is not exclusive to cats, dogs can suffer from it, too. If you would like to learn more about how this condition affects dogs, please visit this page in the PetMD health library.

Symptoms and Types

There are occasions when the cat is asymptomatic, or does not display any signs whatsoever. However, some of the more common symptoms seen in cats with renomegaly include:

• Lethargy
• Anorexia
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Oral ulcers
• Dehydration
• Discolored urine
• Pale mucous membrane
• Foul-smelling breath (halitosis)
• Abdominal pain
• Abdominal mass
• Abnormally large abdomen
• One or both kidneys palpably large
• Excess urine and excess thirst (polyuria and polydipsia)

Causes

The kidneys may become abnormally large as a result of inflammation, infection, or cancer. Renomegaly can also occur due to urinary tract obstruction, degeneration of the urinary tubes (ureters), formation of cysts in the urinary tract, various infections, abscesses, inflammatory conditions, genetically transmitted diseases, clots in the kidneys, and toxins in the system.

Exposure to infections such as leptospirosis or leukemia may also lead to renomegaly.

Diagnosis

A complete blood profile will be conducted, including a chemical blood profile, a complete blood count, and a urinalysis; cats will also have blood drawn for feline leukemia testing. A palpation exam and X-rays will also be performed to assist your veterinarian in visualizing the extent of abnormality in the kidney size, and thus diagnose your cat's condition.

For cats with cancer, thoracic X-rays will help your doctor to determine if the cancer has spread. Ultrasonography, which uses sound waves, will also help distinguish the structural details of internal organs so that your doctor can determine the amount of renal swelling, or detect irregularities in other organs.

Aspiration of renal fluid and a biopsy is another procedure which may be performed on your cat.