title: Bilateral lumbar hernias in a domestic shorthair cat.
abstract: METHODS
  A 2.8-kg (6.1-lb) 4-month-old sexually intact female domestic shorthair cat was referred for evaluation of bilateral, subcutaneous lumbar masses that were presumed to be the kidneys.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Physical examination findings included 2 mobile, nonpainful, 3×3-cm, bilaterally symmetric masses in the dorsolateral lumbar region. Abdominal radiography, ultrasonography, and CT confirmed bilateral body wall defects with renal herniation. Serum biochemistry profile, urinalysis, and excretory urography confirmed normal renal function.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Exploratory laparotomy, reduction of the kidneys, repair of the body wall defects, bilateral nephropexy, and ovariohysterectomy were performed. There were no perioperative complications.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Lumbar hernia has not been reported previously in a cat. It is important for veterinarians to be aware that although rare, lumbar hernia should be included in the list of differential diagnoses for a lumbar mass or signs of chronic lumbar pain in cats.
authors.affiliation: Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30605, USA.
authors.forename: Shelly J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Olin
authors.forename: Shannon P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Holmes
authors.forename: Ashley
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jeffs
authors.forename: Karen K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Cornell
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D002415:Cats; D005260:Female; D006547:Hernia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D046449:Hernia, Abdominal / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D059685:Herniorrhaphy / Q000662:veterinary*; D008161:Lumbosacral Region / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery