Renomegaly in Dogs
Renomegaly is a condition in which one or both kidneys are abnormally large, confirmed by abdominal palpation, ultrasounds, or X-rays. All of the body's systems are affected by renomegaly: the respiratory, nervous, hormonal, urinary, and digestive systems.
In addition, renomegaly is not exclusive to dogs; cats can suffer from it, too. If you would like to learn more about how this condition affects cats, please visit this page in the PetMD health library.
Symptoms and Types
There are occasions when the dog is asymptomatic, or does not display any signs whatsoever. However, some of the more common symptoms seen in dogs with renomegaly include:
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Oral ulcers
- Dehydration
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite (anorexia)
- 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 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. A palpation exam and X-rays will also be performed to assist your veterinarian in visualizing the abnormality in the kidney size, and thus diagnose your dog's condition.
biopsy
The process of removing tissue to examine it, usually for medical reasons.
ureter
The tubular shaft found between the kidneys and the bladder
abscess
A localized infection, usually a lesion filled with pus. Can be large or small in size.
genera
The plural form of the word ‘genus.’
nag
A type of horse that does not belong to a particular breed
ion
An atom that has a positive or negative charge
doe
A female goat, rabbit, or deer that has not been spayed
thoracic
Pertaining to the chest
lysis
The breakdown of something or the destruction of something, biologically speaking
polyuria
Excessive urination
dehydration
A medical condition in which the body has lost fluid or water in excessive amounts
asymptomatic
Term used to refer to a condition of having a disease or affliction but not displaying symptoms of it.
renal failure
The failure of the kidneys to perform their proper functions
polydipsia
A medical condition involving excessive thirst
urinalysis
An in-depth examination of the properties of urine; used to determine the presence or absence of illness
palpation
Examination through feeling
generation
A group of living things that were born along the same time
mucous membrane
A special type of tissue that exudes mucus