Case Study

Renoliths in a 12 year old MN DSH cat

A 12-year-old MN DSH was presented for hematuria, pollakiuria, and stranguria for the past two weeks. On urinalysis, 3+ hematuria, 2+ proteinuria, and inappropriate urine specific gravity were present. Abnormalities on CBC and serum biochemistry included thrombocytopenia, hypokalemia, elevated CK, hypercholesterolemia and elevated BUN. Total T4 was normal. The patient was treated with antibiotics, which resolved the straining, but there was still an abnormal urine sediment.

Sonographic Differential Diagnosis

Pyelonephritis is possible. A culture and sensitivity is recommended in this patient. Renolith passage may be an intermittent cause of the clinical signs in this patient.

Image Interpretation

Mineralization was noted in the right and left kidneys, and there was one small partially mineralized focus at the apex of the bladder.

DX

Renoliths

Outcome

Although the patient continues to urinate out of the litter box, the cat is otherwise normal.

Clinical Differential Diagnosis

Urinary symptoms – bladder pathology (bacterial cystitis, neoplasia, interstitial cystitis, uroliths), renal pathology (pyelonephritis, neoplasia, renoliths), chronic kidney disease with secondary bacterial cystitis.