Perirenal expanding haematoma in a cat

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Abdominal masses in domestic cats can present diagnostic challenges.
• Splenic neoplasia, abscesses, and hematomas are differential diagnoses for feline abdominal masses.

Observation:

• A four-year-old male cat presented with a three-week history of a large abdominal mass.
• Diagnostic imaging suggested splenic neoplasia, abscess, or hematoma.
• Surgical exploration revealed an enlarged, irregular mass involving the left kidney and adrenal gland.

Findings:

• A left adrenalo-uretero-nephrectomy was performed to remove the mass.
• Accidental aortic puncture during surgery resulted in paraplegia.
• Histological examination confirmed the mass was a chronic expanding hematoma.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of considering chronic expanding hematomas in feline abdominal masses.
• Surgical complications, such as aortic injury, can significantly alter prognosis.
• Accurate preoperative diagnosis and careful surgical technique are crucial in managing complex abdominal masses in cats.