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The RVC Small Animal Referrals offers advanced care for both dogs and cats with all conditions related to the urinary tract. We have a team of specialists who are internationally recognised in the field of canine and feline nephrology and urology.

Kidney disease in cats and dogs

Our team provides state-of-the-art care for cats and dogs with all forms of kidney disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD): CKD is often seen in our pets as they age but in fact there are many causes of CKD which can affect dogs and cats at any age. Careful diagnosis, staging and discussion of evidence-based management and treatment options is of paramount importance to improve both outcome and quality of life. We have a wealth of experience managing patients with all forms of kidney disease including glomerular disease (protein losing nephropathy), Fanconi’s syndrome, idiopathic renal haematuria, pyelonephritis and congenital abnormalities of the kidneys and urinary tract (CAKUT (renal dysplasia)).

Acute kidney injury (AKI): There are many potential causes of AKI or acute renal failure in dogs and cats. Prompt identification and treatment is vital to improving outcome. Together with the RVC Extracorporeal Therapies and Critical Care team, we are the only centre currently in the UK to offer both advanced medical care for AKI patients and renal replacement therapies including haemodialysis.

We can offer advanced imaging and renal biopsy at the QMHA and we work closely with our diagnostic laboratory and the RVC GFR service to provide a complete and comprehensive assessment of canine and feline kidney problems. 

The best in upper and lower urinary tract care

We aim to determine the best and least invasive form of treatment for urinary tract conditions on a case-by-case basis. Following a consultation with our team, we can provide an individualised assessment and determine the optimal management care plan for your pet. We have the capability to undertake advanced imaging of the urinary tract including ultrasound, fluoroscopic guided antegrade pyelography and computed tomography-intravenous urography.

Urinary incontinence: Urinary incontinence can be a frustrating condition. We work together with our diagnostic imaging team to ensure we establish the underlying cause ensuring that we consider minimally invasive management options as well as traditional medical and surgical approaches to this condition

• Laser ablation of ectopic ureters: In some young dogs, urinary incontinence can be the result of a congenital malformation (ectopic ureters). The RVC nephrology and urology team is one of the few centres in the UK offering a non-surgical cystoscopic approach to the management of intramural ectopic ureters allowing excellent outcome and quick recovery times.
• Urethral bulking agents: For dogs that are failing medical management of urinary incontinence and where a surgical approach may not be appropriate, cystoscopic application of urethral bulking agents can provide a minimally invasive option for medium to long-term management of urinary incontinence.

Stone disease in dogs and cats:

The team has a particular interest in the management of stone disease affecting both the upper and lower urinary tract. We are pleased to offer a multidisciplinary approach to these challenging cases and we have a particular interest in the evaluation of cats and dogs with nephroliths (stones in the kidney) and ureteroliths (stones in the ureter) as well as those in the bladder (cystoliths). We have experience with the placement of both ureteral stents in dogs and cats and placement and long-term management of subcutaneous ureteral bypass devices (SUB) through our dedicated SUB clinic.

In addition to providing advice on medical management (stone dissolution) and standard surgical approaches to the management of cystoliths our specialised team are also able to offer the following minimally invasive procedures. We are very pleased to discuss any cases where you would like to consider a minimally invasive approach to stone management.

• Cystoscopic basket retrieval of stones
• Voiding hydropulsion of stones
• Percutaneous cystolithotomy (minimally invasive cystotomy)

Advancing our knowledge of nephrology and urology

We are proud to be able to offer a team of internationally recognised specialists who have dedicated their career to enhancing the veterinary care of dogs and cats with urinary tract disease. The RVC is the only centre in the UK able to draw on the expertise of the two UK-based board members of the International Renal Interest Society; an international organisation dedicated to advancing the management and care of patients with acute and chronic kidney disease, and of the WSAVA renal standardisation project which founded veterinary clinical research into canine and feline glomerular disease.

The clinical work undertaken by members of the nephrology and urology team is supported by complementary clinical research which helps to advance this field and the clinical care that we are able to provide. Please see individual staff members’ profiles for further information on their current areas of clinical research interest.