15/03/2025
Fitz, a beautiful 3-year-old male neutered Domestic Shorthair, was referred to our Internal Medicine Specialist, Dr Abigail Brough, for further investigation. He then underwent surgery with Specialist Surgeon Dr Ben Mielke in January to place a SUB (subcutaneous ureteral bypass) in his obstructed right kidney.
Ureteral obstruction—caused by stones, debris, or ureteral strictures—is a rare but serious condition that can lead to acute renal failure, particularly in cats. This condition often presents as Big Kidney, Little Kidney Syndrome, where one kidney becomes non-functional due to prolonged obstruction, while the other compensates. However, when the second kidney becomes obstructed, acute renal failure occurs.
Diagnosing this condition requires ultrasound and Excretory Urography, a specialised procedure where contrast is introduced into the renal pelvis, allowing X-rays to track urine flow. If an obstruction is confirmed, the best treatment option is a Subcutaneous Ureteral Bypass (SUB)—a device that redirects urine from the kidney to the bladder, bypassing the blocked ureter.
The SUB requires regular maintenance, including flushing every three months to prevent infection. While patients need intensive post-surgical care, around 90% make a full recovery and enjoy a good quality of life.
Fitz has now made a complete recovery, and our internal medicine team looks forward to seeing him for his routine SUB flush procedures!