EFFECT OF UNILATERAL NEPHRECTOMY ON KIDNEY FUNCTION IN FERAL DOMESTIC CATS (Felis catus)

This experimental study was conducted to determine the effect of unilateral nephrectomy on kidney function through hematological and urological values after surgery using feral domestic cats. Four (4) apparently healthy stray male cats were caught and used as experimental animals in this study. The animals were grouped into two (2) with two cats in each group. Grouping of the animals was based according to age, the 1st group – ages one year and above (>1 year) and the 2nd group – ages one year and below (<1 year). A split plot randomized complete block design was used in the experiment. The result shows that rectal temperature and packed cell volume have been affected on both age group of cats and other urological values like the presence of urobilinogen, protein, leukocytes, erythrocytes and crystals were elevated twenty four hours after surgery. A significant increase on the level of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen has been noted from the 3rd and 15th post – operative day. However, no significant difference was noted between experimental animals and the two age groups, all of which have similar result. The findings of the study revealed that the remaining kidney could not completely compensate the function of the other kidney up to the 15th post – operative day, it may take longer than fifteen days. Hence, proper supportive treatment, post-operative care & management of animals subjected to unilateral nephrectomy is a must and should continue beyond fifteen days.