Effect of nephrotomy on renal function and morphology in normal cats.
OBJECTIVE
To assess effects over 12 weeks of bisection nephrotomy on renal function, size, and morphology in cats.


METHODS
Controlled, randomized, blinded experiment.


METHODS
Ten adult female cats.


METHODS
Glomerular filtration rate (GFR), determined by quantitative renal scintigraphy using (99m)Technetium-diethylenetriamine-pentaacetic acid, urinalysis, urine culture, and ultrasonographic measurement of renal size were performed preoperatively. Left or right nephrotomy (5 cats/group) was performed. Total and individual kidney GFRs were determined at 2, 28, and 84 days, ultrasonographic measurements at 28 and 86 days, and ultrasound-guided biopsy at 86 days.


RESULTS
No significant differences in mean GFR and kidney size of operated versus unoperated kidneys were observed. Individual GFR and renal size of all except 1 cat remained within normal limits. Two cats had evidence of transient ureteral obstruction in the immediate postoperative period. No significant, generalized histologic abnormalities were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Bisection nephrotomy in normal cats does not adversely affect renal function or morphology during the initial 12 weeks.


CONCLUSIONS
Bisection nephrotomy can be safely performed in normal feline kidneys without causing a significant deleterious effect on renal function. Studies in cats with pre-existing renal insufficiency are needed to ensure adverse effects would not occur in clinical cases where this surgical procedure is warranted.
King
Michael D
MD
Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA. mdking@vt.edu
Waldron
Don R
DR
Barber
Don L
DL
Larson
Martha M
MM
Saunders
Geoffrey K
GK
Troy
Gregory C
GC
Zimmerman-Pope
Nancy
N
Ward
Dan L
DL
D000818:Animals; D002415:Cats / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005919:Glomerular Filtration Rate / Q000662:veterinary*; D007668:Kidney / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology / Q000601:surgery*; D007677:Kidney Function Tests / Q000662:veterinary*; D016284:Technetium Tc 99m Pentetate; D014463:Ultrasonography; D016482:Urinalysis / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary
D016284:Technetium Tc 99m Pentetate