Veterinary Research Forum

Spontaneous renal autoavulsion: a pioneering observation of complete renal detachment without vascular ligation in veterinary and human medicine

Document Type : Clinical Report

Authors

Farshid Sarrafzadeh-Rezaei 1
Mehdi Behfar 1
Seyed Mohammad Hashami-Asl 1
Aylar Alenabi 1
Zahra Noori Sabzikar 2

1 Department of Surgery and Diagnostic Imaging, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran

2 Private Veterinary Practitioner, Urmia, Iran

https://doi.org/10.30466/vrf.2026.2087005.5073
Abstract
Hydronephrosis is an uncommon condition in cats and dogs, characterized by progressive dilation of the renal pelvis and subsequent atrophy of the renal parenchyma. This report described an 8-year-old spayed female domestic longhair cat diagnosed with left-sided hydronephrosis and concurrent polycystic kidney disease after comprehensive clinical, laboratory and imaging evaluation. Because the contralateral kidney appeared functionally preserved, unilateral nephrectomy was selected as the most appropriate treatment option. During surgical manipulation, however, the affected kidney unexpectedly separated completely from its attachments before vascular ligation could be performed, without evidence of hemorrhage. The procedure was completed without complication and no intraoperative or postoperative adverse events were recorded. The patient recovered uneventfully and remained stable throughout the perioperative period. To the authors’ knowledge, this report represented the first documented case in veterinary literature regarding spontaneous renal autoavulsion occurring during nephrectomy. This unusual finding underscored the severe structural fragility that could result from chronic obstructive renal disease and advanced parenchymal destruction. In addition, it suggested that renal autoavulsion might represent a previously unrecognized end-stage manifestation of longstanding hydronephrosis, particularly when associated with concurrent renal pathology such as polycystic kidney disease. This report emphasized the importance of thorough preoperative assessment, careful surgical planning and awareness of potentially extreme anatomic alterations in chronically diseased kidneys.

Keywords

Cat
Hydronephrosis
Nephrectomy
Polycystic kidney disease
Subjects
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Veterinary Research Forum
Volume 17, Issue 9
September 2026
Pages 685-689

  • Receive Date 30 March 2026
  • Revise Date 17 May 2026
  • Accept Date 13 June 2026

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