Renal cysts in a cow with anorexia, hypocalcemia and abdominal pain

A ten-year-old Holstein cow developed anorexia, fever, and recumbency 2 weeks before calving. She was hypocalcemic with concurrent mild pneumonia and mastitis. Due to evidence of impending abortion, parturition was induced and the cow developed metritis. Despite post partum improvement of pneumonia, mastitis and metritis, the cow remained anorexic and had signs of abdominal pain. An exploratory lapartomy via the left flank revealed a greatly enlarged right kidney. On examination through the right flank, 2 large simple renal cysts were found and a nephrectomy was performed. Postoperatively, the cow's appetite gradually improved and she made an apparent clinical recovery.