What is Kidney Enlargement?
Kidney enlargement is a condition in which one or both kidneys experience inflammation, fluid retention, swelling, or an abnormal growth. These situations can cause the kidneys to grow in size. This inflammation may be caused by a variety of conditions, some of which are life-threatening. Enlargement can be a warning sign of acute or chronic kidney failure. The kidneys are necessary to filter waste and toxins from the blood stream, so any condition that impairs their function will quickly have a negative impact on other bodily functions. Certain breeds are more prone to developing kidney issues, including Siamese, Persian, Burmese, and Maine Coon. Any cat experiencing symptoms of kidney enlargement or kidney failure should be seen by a veterinary professional.
Kidney Enlargement Average Cost
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Average Cost
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Symptoms of Kidney Enlargement in Cats
Kidney enlargement can cause a variety of symptoms, although it is possible for the kidneys to be enlarged and the cat to be asymptomatic. If the kidney is very enlarged, it may be possible to feel or see the swollen area. The symptoms associated with an enlarged kidney closely resemble symptoms of several serious medical conditions. Any cat experiencing symptoms like these should be seen by a medical professional immediately.
Symptoms include:
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Depression or apathy
- Lack of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Dehydration
- Increased urination
- Discolored urine
- Blood in vomit, urine, or feces
- Increased thirst
- Pale gums or mucous membranes
- Abdominal bloating, swelling, or mass
- Swelling around the area of one or both kidneys
- Bad breath
- Abdominal pain and sensitivity to touch
- High blood pressure
- Anemia
- Seizures
Causes of Kidney Enlargement in Cats
Kidney enlargement can be a symptom of a variety of medical conditions. The kidneys may become inflamed as a result of injury, infection, or serious conditions like cancers or poisoning. Enlargement may also be related to issues with other organs or portions of the renal system. Some of the common causes of kidney enlargement in cats and other companion animals include:
- Bacterial infection
- Parasite Infestation
- Feline leukemia virus
- Urinary tract infection
- Urinary tract obstruction
- Blood clots
- Poor blood flow through the kidneys
- Cysts
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Certain cancers, including leukemia and lymphoma
- Toxins, including heavy metals, lilies, solvents, and antifreeze
- Some cancer treatments
- Certain medications
- Envenomation
- Heart disease
- Immune system diseases
- Severe dehydration
- Kidney stones
- Amyloidosis
- Trauma or injury
Diagnosis of Kidney Enlargement in Cats
Diagnosing kidney enlargement can be challenging because its symptoms are similar to other conditions and because kidney enlargement can be a symptom of a variety of medical issues. This will require your veterinarian to use multiple diagnostic techniques to verify kidney enlargement and determine its underlying cause. Be prepared to provide your veterinarian with information about your pet’s medical history, any recent medical issues or procedures, any symptoms you have observed, and how long your cat has been presenting symptoms. A full physical examination may be performed. It is often possible for veterinary professionals to diagnose enlargement during a physical examination because the kidney swelling or abdominal mass is palpable.
Additional diagnostic methods will likely be used to determine what is causing kidney inflammation in your cat. A blood panel, including complete blood count and a close look at urea, creatinine and phosphorous levels, is common. Urinalysis with particular attention to protein and blood in the urine is another routine method for identifying the underlying cause of kidney issues. Urine and blood cultures will help determine if an infection is responsible for your cat’s condition. Additionally, urine or feces may be examined under a microscope for signs of parasitic infection, crystals etc. X-rays and other imaging techniques including an ultrasound scan will provide additional detail on the kidneys and interrelated systems. In some cases, exploratory surgery or tissue biopsy may also be used to form a diagnosis.
Treatment of Kidney Enlargement in Cats
If your cat is experiencing kidney or renal failure, treatment will be required immediately. Kidney failure can quickly become life-threatening. Hospitalization may be required for several days or weeks to stabilize and treat your pet. Medication may be prescribed to treat the underlying cause of kidney enlargement, but medications carry some risk as the kidneys will be responsible for processing any medication. Some common treatments associated with kidney enlargement in cats include:
Dialysis
The purpose of dialysis is to filter the blood, which is a normal function of the kidneys. When the kidneys are functioning poorly, waste material is not properly filtered. Dialysis can help with filtering. There is a moderate risk associated with dialysis, but the treatment will be recommended if the benefits outweigh the risk. This treatment is not widely available and can be incredibly costly.
Surgical Intervention
Surgery may be needed to clear an obstruction, remove a tumor, or repair certain issues. Surgery carries some risk and the patient will require careful observation during surgery and recovery. Your pet will be hospitalized post-surgery to ensure there are no complications.
Intravenous (IV) Fluids
Fluid therapy can assist with dehydration, removing some impurities from the system, and balancing electrolyte levels. This common treatment carries a very low risk but is generally provided on an inpatient basis.
Feeding Therapy
Proper nutrition and caloric intake is essential to your pet’s treatment and recovery. If your pet is experiencing weight loss or anorexia, a feeding tube or appetite stimulant may be used.
Kidney Transplant
A kidney transplant may be recommended if your cat’s kidney is damaged beyond repair. Only certain cats will be a good candidate for transplant. Factors including your cat’s age, overall health, and the availability of a kidney that is a good match will all be considered. As with any surgical procedure, there is a moderate risk associated with this treatment. This surgery is not available in every country.
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Recovery of Kidney Enlargement in Cats
Your pet’s recovery from kidney enlargement will depend largely on the cause of the enlargement. In some cases, your cat’s condition will be easily treated, and recovery will occur fairly quickly. This is the case for the majority of infections and many toxins. Certain conditions that can cause kidney inflammation are not so easily treated. Additionally, if significant damage has occurred to one or both kidneys, the prognosis may be poor.
If your cat is healthy enough to return to their home, fresh water should be kept nearby at all times. Proper fluid intake is essential to maintaining proper kidney function. Your veterinarian may also recommend dietary changes. Be sure to follow your veterinarian’s instructions for medications and follow-up visits as required.
Kidney Enlargement Average Cost
From 492 quotes ranging from $200 - $5,000
Average Cost
$800
Top
Kidney Enlargement Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Tabby cat
5 months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Diarrhea
So my kitten has had on and off diarrhea for the past week. The vet said it’s probably due to intolerance to fish flavored food because he reacted badly to wet food that was fish based but is fine when it’s like chicken or beef. The vet recommended putting him on canned pumpkin everyday for a week along with dry food and water. So I’ve been doing that, but his poops are not consistent. He either has a normal cat poop with excellent color and no worms, or he has poop that looks almost snake like in a pile with still good color and no worms. I’ve only had him for almost three weeks.
Sept. 25, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
Parasites are quite common in kittens, and are usually the cause of diarrhea. Food intolerances are not common in kittens, but changing food often can cause problems. If they are still having problems, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed.
Oct. 21, 2020
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Cat
1.5 years
5 found this helpful
5 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Abdominal Mass
After my cat eats I can feel an abdominal mass on the right side abdomen when the cat lays down. Got an xray done but due to lockdown could only get a vet's assistant's opinion. As my cat was empty stomach he couldn't feel anything but determined that it could be the kidney I am feeling. The shaved portion is the location of mass. The mass is inside abdomen.
Aug. 6, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
5 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
That does appear to be a mis-shapen kidney, but it is difficult to say without more than one view on the x-ray - we typically take 2-3 views to give perspective. It would probably be best to follow up and have a veterinarian examine him and see if the kidney feels abnormal, and possibly have an ultrasound of the kidney if needed, as well as some la work to assess kidney function.
I hope that all goes well for him.
Aug. 6, 2020
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cat
2 Years
13 found this helpful
13 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Enlarged Kidneys, Blood Work Off Except White Cell Blood Count Normal, Difficulty Walking On Hind Legs, Lethargy, Weight Loss, Hardly Eating Last Two Days
My cat has slowly been losing weight; he went from 9 to 6 pounds in about a month. About three or four days ago, he began having difficulty walking on his legs, he has been hiding and only eating about a teaspoon of food for the last two days. A vet on Saturdat x-rayed him and said BOTH kidneys are enlarged. His blood test results were high, but his white blood cells were normal which the vet stated ruled out infection. The vet wants to do an ultra sound to possibly determine what may be wrong. The vet thinks my cat has cancer. Do you think there could be a chance for recovery or not?
July 21, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
13 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
I do think there is a chance, yes. Cancer in a 2 year old cat is not as common as in older cats, and cats do get kidney diseases which can be treatable. The ultrasound will be able to tell more where the problem is and what is actually going on, and you will know more answers at that point.
I hope that everything goes well for your cat, and that he feels better soon.
July 21, 2020
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Persian
Johnsnow
3 Years
10 found this helpful
10 found this helpful
My cat has an enlarged kidney. I just found as I got it today. It’s not active and keeps on sleeping. Is it ok for him to sleep this much? He has an ear infection too and his glands are swollen. I have started him with Antibiotics. What should I expect?
July 29, 2018
10 Recommendations
There are many causes for an enlarged kidney and it is important that the underlying cause is identified and treated or managed; the antibiotics are most likely for the ear infection but further testing may be required to determine why the kidney is enlarged and I would think an ultrasound would be vital to look at the structure. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 30, 2018
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Siamese
Vivian
9 Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Kidney
My cat Vivian 9 years old Siamese started acting funny about a week ago. She is usually very social with me but she started being by herself and going pee a lot. I noticed her drinking a lot more but not eating as much. Long story short took er to a vet did blood test and ultra sound and saw that one kidney was small and the other one was very enlarged. Got the blood work the next day and her bmu was 12, high (17) phosphorus, and low blood pressure. He told me to take her to a specialist and emergency vet. She has been there since with if fluids and medications. Her bmu is down to 8 and phosphorus down to 15. She’s starting to eat a little bit the doctor is more concerned that her enlarged kidney is still dialating. Oh and she has stones in both kidneys and one possibly blocking the one kidney which may be why it’s dialating. We sent out a urine culture to see if she has an infection or not but that won’t be here for another day or two. In the meantime she has been hospitalized for the last four days and I can’t afford to keep her in there. I will take her home tomorrow and continue the treatments at home and then have blood work done again at her regular vet in a couple of days. My question is I know she is probably stage 4 kidney disease...but I love her more than anything and don’t want to lose her, I also don’t want her to be in pain. I know that if I bring her home and monitor her and her numbers continue to go down and she eats that’s a good thing. But if her kidney keeps dialating and the other kidney doesn’t work anymore, is it best to spend a few days with her and put her to sleep or is there still a chance that I can get her healthier and not be in pain and she can live awhile longer?
July 24, 2018
2 Recommendations
Without examining Vivian and reviewing her medical file I cannot give you any assurances that she may or may not improve; however it is possible that a urinary stone is obstructing the flow of urine from the kidney leading to hydronephrosis, hydronephrosis can be seen nicely on an ultrasound and is a good diagnostic method. However, as I mentioned I cannot give you any assurances that is the cause or if it is treatable or not. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 24, 2018
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Ragdoll
Maisey
3 Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy
Increased Urination
Thirst
Poor Eating
My 3 years old Ragdoll Maisey was taken to the after hours on a Saturday. She had increased thirst, poor eating, lethargic and increased urination. I thought she may have a uti or potential kidney failure. I took her straight to the after hours and after a short examination (as they were busy) I was sent home on tengestic, and metacam as they assumed she had been hit by a car and was in pain from this (I felt extremely uncomfortable with this as she is watched when outside). When I returned to my vet the follow few days with the same concerns we ran blood and her creatinine was so highly it was unreadable and her urea was 48. She was in acute renal failure. We commenced fluids straight away and she was sent to the after hours again as this was over STAT holidays. We decided to continue treatment after her creatinine steadily increased at day 2. I am now debating whether this was the right choice as 5 days post this she is still on hospital on iv fluids and nasogastric feeds. Her kidneys are still tender and she is on pain relief for this. We now know her back pain that was thought to be from a MVA is refereed kidney pain (which I also questioned with the vet) 4 days later an X-ray 2 days ago ruled out kidney stones but we are still awaiting an ultrasound tomorrow to find out whether we continue treatment or not. The treatment has become so expensive but I think I would regret it if it was to stop now.
Kidney Enlargement Average Cost
From 492 quotes ranging from $200 - $5,000
Average Cost
$800
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Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
