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"Jean Luc" 4 year old Warmblood gelding
Jean Luc presented to CLAH for a 2 week history of weight loss, inappetence, and depression. He had been previously seen for an episode of hindlimb lameness. However, no significant findings could be found.
Examination: Physical examination revealed Jean Luc to have a body condition score of 3/10 (ideal is 5-6/10) and an arrhythmia (abnormal heart beat). All other vitals were normal. Blood was drawn for evaluation.
Bloodwork: Jean Luc's bloodwork revealed him to be anemic. He also had elevated BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and creatinine. This can be indicative of dehydration or kidney disease.
 Jean Luc was immediately placed on fluid therapy in order to rehydrate and lower the kidney values. He was also started on oral salt administration (to encourage increased water intake) and flaxseed oil (a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that helps inhibit scar tissue formation). Repeated bloodwork revealed no significant change in Jean Luc's kidney values despite the fact that he was receiving large volumes of fluids.
Ultrasound
An ultrasound was performed. The kidneys were noted to be more hyperechoic (or denser). The renal pelvis (or center of kidney) and ureters were both grossly dilated. These findings were consistent with significantly compromised kidneys and the possible presence of kidney stones.
After consulting with the medicine faculty at UC Davis Veterinary Teaching Hospital, it was recommended that Jean Luc be referred for a repeated ultrasound and possible lithotripsy. Lithotripsy is the use of non-invasive shock waves to help break up the stones without causing major damage to the surrounding structures.
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Upon arrival at UC Davis, an ultrasound was performed by a boarded radiologist. It was determined that Jean Luc's kidneys were so compromised that despite removing the kidney stones with lithotripsy, the kidneys would not be able to function normally. Euthanasia was elected, and a necropsy was performed. The kidneys were abnormal in shape and size, and mineral deposits were noted in the kidney and ureter.
Because of Jean Luc's young age, the severity of changes in the kidneys was most likely due to a congenital kidney disease (or a disease that Jean Luc was born with). Even with early diagnosis, the outcome would have not changed.
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