Removal of an ectopic left kidney through a ventral midline celiotomy in a calf

A 4-month-old Holstein heifer was examined because of poor growth, weight loss, dysuria, hematuria, pyuria, and a palpable mass in the right caudal quadrant of the abdomen. Clinicopathologic abnormalities included hyperfibrinogenemia, hyperproteinemia, anemia, and leukocytosis, and were consistent with chronic inflammation. Results of ultrasonographic evaluation of the umbilical cord remnants were suggestive of urachal abscess formation. Transabdominal ultrasonography of the kidneys was attempted; the right kidney appeared normal, but the left kidney could not be imaged. The calf was anesthetized and a ventral midline celiotomy was performed. The left kidney was larger than normal, was multilobulated, and contained multiple abscess. It had also broken through the peritoneum and was located in the peritoneal cavity. Unilateral nephrectomy and resection of umbilical cord remnants were performed. The calf recovered without complications and was healthy 5 years later. In this calf, ventral midline celiotomy provided sufficient surgical exposure for removal of the ectopic left kidney and resection of umbilical cord remnants.