Routine health check by Wirral vet practice saved cat's life

Callie was undergoing her six-month health check at Littlecroft Vets when the vet felt a large lump in her abdomen. Blood tests and an ultrasound revealed it to be a serious infection that had destroyed one of her kidneys.

The three-and-a-half-year-old rescue cat had pyonephrosis, a severe complication of the kidney infection pyelonephritis. Symptoms of kidney infections in cats include fever, vomiting, loss of appetite and changes in urination habits. If untreated, they can lead to kidney failure which can be fatal.

Callie had been off colour for a few weeks but had picked up again before her visit to the practice in Little Sutton for her half-yearly health check when the chance discovery was made.

Clinical director Adam Webster with Callie following her surgery at Littlecroft Vets (Image: Littlecroft Vets) Vet Sarah Roberts surgically removed Callie's infected kidney, and said it was only the fifth time in her 38 years as a vet that she had carried out the delicate operation on a pet.

She said: "It was the most badly damaged kidney I have seen. The whole kidney was destroyed, and all that remained was a large abscess inside the kidney capsule.

"There would have been a real danger of peritonitis if it had leaked and that could have been fatal. It could also have spread to other abdominal organs and was probably painful too.

"Her other kidney remains healthy and Callie has gone on to make a good recovery. She’s eating well and gaining weight.

"This isn’t something we commonly detect at a health check however kidney enlargement is often palpable in cats and health checks often pick up things the owners haven't noticed so they are always worthwhile."

Owner Yvonne Baker has praised Littlecroft Vets for their care of Callie and saving her life.

She said: "She wasn’t quite herself when she was due her six-month health check. She was quite lethargic, not as active as normal and off her food.

"The vet felt her tummy and said she could feel a lump that was about the size of a tangerine. She said she needed a scan to find out what it is which they did that afternoon and told me she had an infection in her kidney.

“She was treated with antibiotics and pain relief and returned two weeks later but the lump was still there and required further investigation.

"At the next examination, they said her kidney was not working at all and that the best course of action was to remove her kidney.

"They were absolutely brilliant at Littlecroft. Sarah was wonderful and told me everything that was going on.

"Callie rested at home and is now back to her usual self. She's now more affectionate - it's as if she is appreciative of the care she was given."

The vets clinical director Adam Webster said: "Pyelonephritis is very unusual in cats, and I have only seen it twice in 14 years as a vet.

"While it's rare, Callie’s case highlights how important regular checks are even if your pet appears well and comfortable. Her kidney was badly infected and without treatment, she could have died."