Disorder - Urogenital agenesis, unilateral

Organ Systems Involved
Urogenital

Alternative disorders described within LIDA

Persistent Mullerian duct syndrome; Renal hypoplasia

Alternative Names
Unilateral renal agenesis; Ipsilateral renal agenesis

Presenting Signs

Unilateral urogenital agenesis is a disorder that results when the urogenital tract in the embryo develops abnormally. While these cats are developing as embryos, structures that go on to form components of both the urinary and reproductive systems do not develop correctly. In the rare cases that have been identified, the kidney and associated ureter are absent on one side; and often segments of the uterus on the same side have also failed to develop. Usually these defects affect the right side of the paired urogenital system. Generally there are no symptoms and the abnormality is only diagnosed on desexing, routine dissection or post-mortem. The absence of symptoms is due to the remaining kidney (which is usually enlarged) compensating for the absence of its pair. When there are clinical signs, these are usually non-specific such as a low appetite or lethargy. In one case shivering and vomiting were also noted.

Breeds Affected
Persian


Treatment

Medical. No definitive treatment is available. Symptomatic treatment involves supporting kidney function, usually via IV fluid therapy.

Contributor
Alissa Burney