Disorder - Oxalosis II

Organ Systems Involved
Urogenital

Alternative disorders described within LIDA

Urolith, KMgP; Urolithiasis; Xanthinuria

Alternative Names
Primary hyperoxaluria type 2; L-glyceric aciduria

Presenting Signs

Oxalosis II is a condition in which certain enzymes of the liver (D-glycerate dehydrogenase and glyoxylate reductase) are deficient. These enzymes aid in the breakdown of a substance called glyoxylate into other products (glycolate and glycine). Instead, in this condition, glyoxylate is broken down into the more harmful product, oxalate. With more oxalate in the bloodstream, the kidney have to filter more oxalate. The oxalate accumulates in the kidneys and leads to kidney failure. In affected cats, clinical signs appear at a young age (five to nine months). Signs of kidney failure include reduced appetite, weakness, vomiting and diarrhoea, changes in the amount of drinking and urinating, and depressed behaviour. Oxalate deposits may also flow down the urinary system and damage the ureter and bladder, causing blood in the urine and blockage of urine flow. Affected cats can proceed to a state of profound weakness; this may be due to an abnormality relating to nerves and muscles, but the relation of this abnormality to oxalosis II is not certain.

Cats at Risk

Both female and male cats can be affected. There are other dietary factors that can lead to increased risk of oxalate stones developing in the kidneys and urine, and certain cat breeds (Burmese, Persian, Himalayan) have been noted to be predisposed to this, but the proportion in which Oxalosis II plays a role is unknown.

Treatment

Surgical removal of stones. Kidney transplant. Medical palliation of kidney failure.

Contributor
Jonathan Young