Perirenal pseudocysts in 26 cats

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical features, anatomical location, nature of pseudocyst fluid, results of surgical treatment and links with underlying renal disease in cats with perirenal pseudocysts. DESIGN: A retrospective study of 26 affected cats, including 8 treated surgically. RESULTS: Nineteen (73%) affected cats were male. The median age was 11 years. Most presented for abdominal enlargement and had varying degrees of renal dysfunction on presentation. Thirteen cats (50%) had bilateral pseudocysts. The pseudocyst fluid was a transudate or modified transudate in all cases. All surgically treated cats had subcapsular perirenal pseudocysts. Associated renal lesions were identified in all cats that had renal biopsies or detailed ultrasonographic examinations. Surgery relieved clinical signs but did not stop progression of renal disease. Cats survived a median of 9 months after surgery and survival was correlated statistically to degree of azotaemia at presentation. Percutaneous drainage of pseudocysts was ineffective in controlling long-term fluid accumulation. CONCLUSIONS: Subcapsular perirenal pseudocysts are formed in cats by accumulation of transudate between the capsule and parenchyma of the kidney as a result of underlying parenchymal disease. Pseudocyst formation can occur at variable stages of renal dysfunction. Resection of the pseudocyst wall is usually effective in eliminating signs but does not stop progression of renal disease. The prognosis for cats with pseudocyst formation is related to the degree of renal dysfunction at time of diagnosis.