Name
Neoureterocystostomy and Liver Lobectomy in a Rabbit With Hydronephrosis and Liver Lobe Torsion
Description
A 7-month-old female spayed rabbit was referred for acute anorexia, anemia, liver enzyme elevation, and severe azotemia. The rabbit had been spayed one month prior to presentation. Blood work in the hospital showed regenerative anemia, elevation in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), azotemia, and hyperphosphatemia. Ultrasound revealed a caudate liver lobe torsion, free fluid in the peritoneal space, right hydronephrosis and hydroureter with right ureteral obstruction. A liver lobectomy was performed to remove the torsed caudate liver lobe and a neoureterocystostomy was performed to preserve right kidney function. Diagnostic imaging was performed three days after surgery. Ultrasonography revealed improvement of the right hydronephrosis and hydroureter, and resolution of the peritoneal free fluid. Ultrasound performed 19 days post-surgery revealed resolved right hydronephrosis. Blood work did not show any significant findings at this time. Nine months later the rabbit continued to have no urinary symptoms or azotemia on blood work, however, the rabbit did develop right renal atrophy with mineralization. The rabbit continues to do well at home nearly 18 months after surgery with no recurrence of clinical signs. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first successful surgery of a neoureterocystostomy in a rabbit.
Session Type
Lecture (25 Min)