Contrast Urography and Nephrectomy in a Rabbit with Unilateral Urolithiasis and Chronic Wasting.

Kidney disease is commonly encountered in pet rabbits. A few disease presentations may necessitate nephrectomy; these include severe urolithiasis and renal neoplasia. Survey radiography, ultrasound and even computed tomography can provide high quality information regarding the anatomy of the kidney and presence of urolithiasis. Contrast urography (excretory urography) is a time tested and relatively simple method to help assess kidney perfusion and glomerular filtration, and to detect obstructive disease and other abnormalities of the ureters. A chronically thin rescue rabbit of unknown age presented for obstructive disease of the left ureter and severe dysfunction of the kidney identified by excretory urography; disease may have been related to severe cystic peritonitis of the caudal abdomen. Nephrectomy and partial ureterectomy were performed, and the chronic, thin body condition resolved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]