Treatment will depend on the severity of the condition, whether or not the perinephric pseudocysts occurred spontaneously or alongside chronic kidney failure, and the presence of other concurrent diseases. For spontaneous cases with no concurrent disease, treatment may not be necessary. Your vet will be able to advise you on a treatment plan based on your cat’s specific needs.
If your cat is suffering from a swollen abdomen due to the size of the cysts, drainage may be required. It should be noted that there are risks involved with draining perinephric pseudocysts this way; this may cause dehydration, and the buildup of fluid is likely to recur. The vet may choose to perform surgery to remove the cysts. However, only in rare instances does surgical removal of the cysts spur an improvement in kidney function. Your vet may prescribe pain management medications following surgery.
The primary objectives of treatment are to relieve the cat’s discomfort and, if possible, resolve the underlying disease. Treating early stages of chronic kidney disease typically involves nutritional and fluid therapy. Dietary modifications that provide adequate protein, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to assist in treating chronic kidney disease.
Later stages of chronic kidney disease are typically treated on a palliative basis, or to relieve pain and suffering rather than to cure the underlying condition. Other treatment options, such as dialysis and surgery, may be recommended depending on the cat’s individual needs as well as the owner’s financial preferences.