By Dr Richard Burchell
The Case
Odo is a three-year-old male Newfoundland that was presented with possible pyelonephritis. Odo had a history of a reduced appetite and weight loss.
The Diagnosis
An abdominal ultrasound demonstrated a dilated left ureter and kidney. Differential diagnoses also included an obstruction of either a ureterolith, stricture, mass or blood clot. An ectopic ureter or a ureterocoele were also possibilities. To exclude an ectopic ureter, a CT urography was performed and showed normal implantation of the right ureter, with a grossly dilated left ureter and hydronephrosis. The site of implantation was not evident on the CT due to a lack of contrast entering the bladder on this side. We then performed a cystoscopy and were able to exclude ectopic ureters definitively. Having excluded ectopic ureters, we knew that the obstruction was most likely due to dysfunction of the ureter as opposed to an ectopic ureter with a narrow orifice. It was confirmed that Odo had severe hydronephrosis and that the left kidney was infected.
The Treatment
Given this information, we referred the case to our surgical department, which removed the kidney and ureter on the left-hand side.
The Result
Odo was doing well at his last follow-up examination and his clinical signs resolved.
Watch the video below to learn more.
For more information on severe hydronephrosis, contact NCVS at ncvs.net.au or call (07) 5453 7555.
