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Veterinary Sciences
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Advances in Veterinary Nephrology and Urology of Small Animals
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Advances in Veterinary Nephrology and Urology of Small Animals

A special issue of Veterinary Sciences (ISSN 2306-7381). This special issue belongs to the section "Veterinary Internal Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 December 2026 | Viewed by 16178

Editors

Dr. Francesca Perondi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Veterinary Medicine, Università di Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
Interests: veterinary nephrology; veterinary urology; hemodialysis in animals; canine and feline renal diseases; extracorporeal blood purification
Dr. Ilaria Lippi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Veterinary Medicine, Università di Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
Interests: veterinary nephrology; veterinary urology; hemodialysis; small animal medicine; extracorporeal blood purification; clinical research; canine and feline medicine

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nephrology and urology are critical fields in small animal veterinary medicine, addressing disorders of the kidneys, urinary tract, and associated systems that significantly impact animal health and quality of life. Recent advances in diagnostic imaging, laboratory biomarkers, minimally invasive procedures, and therapeutic interventions have enhanced the detection, monitoring, and treatment of renal and urinary diseases in dogs and cats. Furthermore, emerging research on molecular mechanisms, genetic predispositions, and comparative pathology provides new insights into disease etiology and progression. This Special Issue, Advances in Veterinary Nephrology and Urology of Small Animals, aims to compile original research, reviews, and case reports that highlight innovative diagnostic tools, novel therapies, and translational studies, ultimately contributing to improved clinical outcomes and the advancement of veterinary nephrology and urology.

Dr. Francesca Perondi
Dr. Ilaria Lippi
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Veterinary Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2100 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • acute kidney disease (AKI)
  • chronic kidney disease (CKD)
  • glomerular disease
  • acute nephritis
  • biomarkers in renal disease
  • urology
  • hemodialysis in dogs and cats
  • extracorporeal blood purification

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 1185 KB  
Article
Iron-Handling, Lipid-Oxygenation, and Hypoxia-Response Gene Expression in the Renal Cortex of Cats with Chronic Kidney Disease: An Analysis-Plan-Guided Secondary Analysis
by Cleverson de Souza
Vet. Sci. 2026, 13(6), 604; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13060604 - 22 Jun 2026
Viewed by 493
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common in older cats, but cortical transcript-level relationships among hypoxia response, iron handling, and lipid oxygenation are poorly defined. This analysis-plan-guided, hypothesis-generating secondary analysis used public feline renal RNA-seq data (GSE303653). The internal plan fixed the gene panel, [...] Read more.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common in older cats, but cortical transcript-level relationships among hypoxia response, iron handling, and lipid oxygenation are poorly defined. This analysis-plan-guided, hypothesis-generating secondary analysis used public feline renal RNA-seq data (GSE303653). The internal plan fixed the gene panel, composite construction, primary inferential test, and quality-control thresholds before the review of the present expression results, but was not publicly registered. After technical quality control, 21 renal cortex samples from control, CKD 1/2, and CKD 3/4 cats were analyzed. A 23-gene panel and whole-transcriptome differential expression were evaluated using likelihood ratio testing as the primary panel-level screen, with pairwise DESeq2 contrasts, Spearman summaries, enrichment, medulla, composite, and marker-set analyses as secondary or exploratory context. VEGFA, FTL, and NCOA4 decreased with ordinal disease group, whereas ALOX5 and HIF1A increased; eight panel genes were stage-associated by likelihood ratio testing. The equal-weight composite was nonmonotonic. Advanced CKD enrichment was dominated by immune and inflammatory terms, while GPX4 and ferroptosis-pathway enrichment were not stage-significant. The findings support heterogeneous transcript-level remodeling, including ALOX5-associated inflammatory/lipid-oxygenation signal and HIF1A–VEGFA divergence, rather than evidence of ferroptotic cell death, pathway activation, or cell-specific mechanism. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Veterinary Nephrology and Urology of Small Animals)
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10 pages, 1095 KB  
Article
Diagnosis and Treatment of Cystitis in Dogs: An Italian Survey
by Francesca Fidanzio, Isabella Tirelli, Simone Bertini, Alicia Maria Carrillo Heredero, Luigi Intorre, Ilaria Lippi, Veronica Marchetti, Cecilia Quintavalla and Andrea Corsini
Vet. Sci. 2026, 13(5), 495; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13050495 - 20 May 2026
Viewed by 1144
Abstract
Cystitis is a common condition in dogs and an important driver of antimicrobial prescription in small animal practice. Although international guidelines provide recommendations for diagnosis and management, their implementation in clinical settings remains variable. This survey-based study investigated the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches [...] Read more.
Cystitis is a common condition in dogs and an important driver of antimicrobial prescription in small animal practice. Although international guidelines provide recommendations for diagnosis and management, their implementation in clinical settings remains variable. This survey-based study investigated the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to canine cystitis among Italian veterinarians and explored differences between work settings. An anonymous online questionnaire was distributed nationwide between February and March 2024, yielding responses from 359 veterinarians. Of these, 63.2% worked in small clinics, 25.6% in large clinics, and 11.1% in veterinary hospitals. Diagnosis was most commonly based on the combination of symptoms, bloodwork, urinalysis, and abdominal ultrasound (45.1%) or on symptoms and urinalysis alone (43.7%). Urine culture and sensitivity testing (UCS) was performed in more than 50% of cases by 34.4% of small clinics, 55.4% of large clinics, and 72.5% of veterinary hospitals (p < 0.00001). Financial constraints, delayed results, and difficulty in urine collection were the main barriers. Overall, 56.2% of respondents included antibiotics as first-line therapy. Overall, antibiotic use did not differ among workplace categories, whereas fluoroquinolone prescription differed significantly (p = 0.021), being lower in veterinary hospitals than in small and large clinics. The most common treatment durations were 7 days (43.7%) and 10–14 days (43.2%). Management of subclinical bacteriuria was heterogeneous: probiotics (46.2%) and D-mannose (41.5%) were most frequently recommended, while 19.5% prescribed antibiotics and 19.8% opted for no therapy. These findings indicate variability in clinical practice, underuse of UCS, particularly in smaller clinics, and prescribing practices exceeding guideline recommendations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Veterinary Nephrology and Urology of Small Animals)
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21 pages, 581 KB  
Article
A Real-World Data Analysis on Feline Chronic Kidney Disease in Greece: Clinical Profiles, Comorbidities, and Quality of Life
by Ioulia Chortara, Irene Chatzipanagiotidou, Ioli Moutsopoulou, Constantina N. Tsokana, Eleni Pavlidou, Thaisa L. Sandri, Andrea Wright and George Valiakos
Vet. Sci. 2026, 13(2), 192; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13020192 - 15 Feb 2026
Viewed by 2578
Abstract
Feline chronic kidney disease (fCKD) is highly prevalent in geriatric cats, affecting up to 80%, and is a leading cause of morbidity in cats with a challenging diagnosis. This study aimed to characterize the clinical profiles, comorbidities, and quality of life of cats [...] Read more.
Feline chronic kidney disease (fCKD) is highly prevalent in geriatric cats, affecting up to 80%, and is a leading cause of morbidity in cats with a challenging diagnosis. This study aimed to characterize the clinical profiles, comorbidities, and quality of life of cats with fCKD in real-world clinical settings in Greece. Real-world data from 208 client-owned cats with fCKD were analyzed, including demographics, clinical findings, body and muscle condition scores, and practitioner-assigned stage according to International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) guidelines. Additionally, owners completed the VetMetrica™ Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQL) questionnaire. Associations between comorbidities, IRIS stage, and HRQL domains were assessed using appropriate statistical analysis. At least one comorbidity was present in 66.8% of cats, with oral/dental disease (29.81%) and anemia (15.38%) being the most common. HRQL scores declined significantly with advancing IRIS stage (p < 0.001). Notably, anemia showed the strongest association with reduced HRQL across all domains, including an 18.79-point reduction in Emotional Wellbeing (p < 0.001). Oral/dental disease was also significantly associated with poorer Comfort (OR 5.16) and Emotional Wellbeing (OR 7.10). Overall, comorbidities independently contributed to impaired quality of life in cats with fCKD. These findings highlight that early detection of fCKD and targeted management of comorbidities alongside renal care may substantially improve patient welfare. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Veterinary Nephrology and Urology of Small Animals)
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11 pages, 320 KB  
Article
Assessment of Bicarbonate Deficiency in Feline Acute and Chronic Kidney Disease
by Francesca Perondi, Matilde Vernaccini, Silvia Morelli, Veronica Marchetti and Ilaria Lippi
Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(11), 1097; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12111097 - 18 Nov 2025
Viewed by 2360
Abstract
Bicarbonate deficiency is a common complication of acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), resulting from impaired renal bicarbonate handling. It promotes bone demineralization and calcium–phosphate (CaxP) imbalance. In dogs, elevated CaxP has been linked to increased frequency and severity of [...] Read more.
Bicarbonate deficiency is a common complication of acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), resulting from impaired renal bicarbonate handling. It promotes bone demineralization and calcium–phosphate (CaxP) imbalance. In dogs, elevated CaxP has been linked to increased frequency and severity of bicarbonate deficiency. This 10-year study evaluated the prevalence and degree of bicarbonate deficiency in 618 cats diagnosed with AKI, acute-on-chronic kidney disease (ACKD), and CKD, and its association with azotemia and mineral imbalance. A retrospective analysis was conducted on serum biochemical profiles, including creatinine, urea, ionized and total calcium, phosphate, CaxP, and bicarbonate. Cats with incomplete datasets or receiving sodium bicarbonate therapy were excluded. According to IRIS guidelines, bicarbonate deficiency was defined as <16 mmol/L and categorized as moderate (12–16 mmol/L) or severe (<12 mmol/L). Deficiency was found in 45% of cats, of which 63% were moderate and 37% severe. Prevalence was higher in AKI (58%) and ACKD (60%) compared to CKD (38%) (p = 0.002). Negative correlations between bicarbonate and creatinine, phosphate, and CaxP were detected in AKI and CKD, while in ACKD, only creatinine and phosphate correlated. Deficiency increased with disease severity in AKI (p = 0.0145) and CKD (p < 0.0001). Cats with CaxP > 70 mg2/dL2 had higher deficiency rates (p < 0.0001). However, 21% with elevated CaxP had normal bicarbonate, suggesting mineral imbalance may occur independently of acidosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Veterinary Nephrology and Urology of Small Animals)
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Review

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23 pages, 1059 KB  
Review
Understanding the Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats: From Pathophysiology to Emerging Biomarkers
by Sofia Rosa, Ana C. Silvestre-Ferreira, Rui Martins and Felisbina Pereira Queiroga
Vet. Sci. 2026, 13(2), 199; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13020199 - 19 Feb 2026
Viewed by 5869
Abstract
Feline chronic kidney disease is a leading cause of mortality in geriatric cats, characterized by a progressive and irreversible loss of renal function. Despite its high prevalence, early diagnosis remains challenging due to nephron compensatory mechanisms and the limited sensitivity of traditional biomarkers, [...] Read more.
Feline chronic kidney disease is a leading cause of mortality in geriatric cats, characterized by a progressive and irreversible loss of renal function. Despite its high prevalence, early diagnosis remains challenging due to nephron compensatory mechanisms and the limited sensitivity of traditional biomarkers, creating a diagnostic gap that necessitates the exploration of novel biomarkers for earlier detection. This review examines the complex pathophysiology of the disease, including renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system activation, tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and mineral metabolism disturbances. By analyzing recent scientific literature, this work evaluates current diagnostic landscape and clinical relevance of emerging biomarkers. Evidence indicates that symmetric dimethylarginine and fibroblast growth factor-23 improve detection of early metabolic and filtration changes, while urinary biomarkers like cystatin B and retinol-binding protein provide specific insights into tubular injury. Bridging the diagnostic gap requires a transition from a reactive, azotemia-based framework to a multi-parametric diagnostic approach that integrates novel biomarkers with serial clinical and laboratory monitoring. Although financial constraints and limited availability restrict widespread clinical implementation, incorporating these advances is essential for earlier prognostic stratification and timely therapeutic decision-making. This integrated strategy has the potential to slow disease progression and improve survival and quality of life in cats with chronic kidney disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Veterinary Nephrology and Urology of Small Animals)
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Other

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8 pages, 2810 KB  
Case Report
Successful Treatment of Obstructive Ureterolithiasis with Medical Expulsive Therapy Including Tamsulosin in a Dog
by Chaeyeon Park, Yelim Lee, Yeon Chae, Taesik Yun, Byeong-Teck Kang and Hakhyun Kim
Vet. Sci. 2026, 13(1), 69; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13010069 - 10 Jan 2026
Viewed by 2273
Abstract
Ureterolithiasis is a common cause of ureteral obstruction in dogs, often leading to kidney injury. Medical expulsive therapy (MET) using α-adrenergic antagonists has been proposed as a nonsurgical treatment option in selected cases and is thought to facilitate ureteral stone passage by reducing [...] Read more.
Ureterolithiasis is a common cause of ureteral obstruction in dogs, often leading to kidney injury. Medical expulsive therapy (MET) using α-adrenergic antagonists has been proposed as a nonsurgical treatment option in selected cases and is thought to facilitate ureteral stone passage by reducing ureteral smooth muscle tone. A 9-year-old castrated male Chihuahua weighing 1.78 kg was presented with anorexia. Physical examination revealed 7% dehydration and pale mucous membranes. Serum biochemistry demonstrated severe azotemia, with markedly elevated symmetric dimethylarginine (>100 μg/dL; reference interval [RI], 0–14 μg/dL), blood urea nitrogen (157.9 mg/dL; RI, 7–25 mg/dL), and creatinine (2.2 mg/dL; RI, 0.5–1.5 mg/dL). On day 4 of hospitalization, ultrasonography revealed dilation of the renal pelvis (16.1 mm), ureteral distention (3.74 mm), and multiple ureteroliths (maximum diameter, 3.31 mm) at the ureterovesical junction. Antegrade pyelography confirmed a right ureteral obstruction. As the owner declined surgical intervention, MET including tamsulosin, was initiated with close clinical monitoring. After 3 days, improvement in azotemia and resolution of ureteral obstruction were observed. Although concurrent medical treatments were administered, this case provides clinical insight into the potential role of tamsulosin as part of medical management of obstructive ureterolithiasis in a dog with small distal ureteral stones. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Veterinary Nephrology and Urology of Small Animals)
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