First report of nephrocutaneous fistula in a cat

Abstract

Nephrocutaneous fistula (NCF) is a very serious rare renal disorder that had not been recorded in cats. This case report describes - for the first time - the features and treatment of a nephrocutaneous fistula in a 3-year-old female intact Persian cat. The cat was referred with a history of lethargy, anorexia, vomiting and recurrent abscess discharging purulent material at the right flank region. Moreover, the cat had a history of cystitis, urethritis and urethral obstruction since 12 months. Physical, laboratory, radiographic and ultrasonographic examinations were performed. The cat was treated with simple nephrectomy and excision of the fistulous tract. The animal showed dehydration, fever, painful abdominal palpation, right nephromegaly, anaemia, neutrophilic leukocytosis and moderate azotaemia. Abdominal radiographs revealed a large radiodense mass at the mid abdomen displacing the intestine caudally. Ultrasonography revealed a renal abscess with marked enlargement of the right kidney, hyperechoic purulent content and loss of parenchymal details of the right kidney. Complete recovery of the cat without any complications was seen after surgical treatment. In conclusion, nephrocutaneous fistula should be listed as one of renal diseases in cats. Nephrectomy as well as excision of the fistulous tract appear to be successful in the treatment of this disorder in cats.