title: Nephrectomy in an Asian small-clawed otter (Amblonyx cinereus) with pyelonephritis and hydronephrosis secondary to ureteral obstruction.
abstract: A 10-yr-old, captive, intact male Asian small-clawed otter (Amblonyx cinereus) with a history of bilateral nephrolithiasis was presented for acute-onset lethargy and inappetance of 5 days duration. On physical examination, the otter was about 8% dehydrated and a palpable fluid wave was present in the abdomen. An abdominal ultrasound revealed hydronephrosis of the left kidney and a hyperechoic structure present within the lumen of the left ureter, causing an obstruction. A urinalysis revealed struvite crystalluria, bacteriuria, and an elevated pH. Following 4 days of antibiotic therapy, a left ureteronephrectomy was performed. Upon opening the kidney to retrieve calculi, a large amount of purulent material was noted within the renal pelvis. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first documented case of a nephrectomy in an Asian small-clawed otter. Nephrectomy should be considered as a viable option for treatment of ureteral obstruction, hydronephrosis, or severe pyelonephritis.
authors.forename: Christine T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Higbie
authors.forename: James W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Carpenter
authors.forename: Laura J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Armbrust
authors.forename: Emily
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Klocke
authors.forename: Kelli
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Almes
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000836:Animals, Zoo; D006869:Hydronephrosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D009392:Nephrectomy / Q000662:veterinary*; D010041:Otters; D011704:Pyelonephritis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D014517:Ureteral Obstruction / Q000150:complications / Q000662:veterinary*; D052878:Urolithiasis / Q000150:complications / Q000662:veterinary*