Post-Operative Acute Kidney Injury in a Young Cat with Segmental Uterine Aplasia and Unilateral Renal Agenesis

Abstract

This case report highlights the significance of pre-operative screening for congenital anomalies such as uterine horn aplasia and renal agenesis in cats undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy (OHE), which may induce or exacerbate postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI). An eight-month-old female mixed-breed cat was presented for an elective ovariohysterectomy. The absence of a left kidney with left-sided segmental uterine aplasia was observed in the cat during the OHE procedure. AKI was diagnosed on postoperative day (POD) 1, characterized by renal enlargement and abnormal levels of renal function parameters on blood tests. After treatment renal function blood tests normalised on POD 12. This case underscores the necessity of pre-operative screening for renal agenesis in cats undergoing OHE to prevent and manage potential postoperative AKI. Identifying such congenital anomalies can improve surgical planning and postoperative care, and ultimately improving patient outcomes. © The Korean Society of Veterinary Clinics.