Unilateral renal torsion in a lamb

Abstract

In ruminant, the kidneys are a major excretory organ that eliminate metabolic byproducts and regulate water-electrolyte homeostasis and maintain acid-base balance in the body. Therefore, kidney abnormalities cause a life-threatening effect on ruminants’ health. Renal torsion has not been reported in any animal species. In the present report, a case of a two-month-old male lamb that has unilateral renal torsion has been described. In necropsy, the twisted left kidney was severely congested and was enlarged in size. Histopathological studies revealed renal tubular and glomeruli necrosis. Vascular changes consisted of congestion and thrombi in the blood vessels. Abnormalities in the embryonic developmental period and increased mobility of the renal structure due to ligaments associated with a twisted kidney are suspected causes of the occurrence of renal torsion.

Keywords

• kidney
• torsion
• ruminant
• urinary tract