INFLAMMATION OF THE RENAL PELVIS 399 



mation of the pelvis of the kidney which may involve the 

 entire organ. 



Retention of urine from either disease of the ureters or 

 the bladder. This leads to an inflammation of the pelvis of 

 the kidney from decomposition of the urine. 



Pathology.— Catarrhal inflammation of the pelvis of the 

 kidney is characterized by swelling and redness, some hem- 

 orrhage, and later, as the condition becomes chronic, the 

 membrane becomes thickened, lighter in color and covered 

 with thick mucus or pus. In severe cases numerous hemor- 

 rhagic foci will be observed, with sometimes extensive hemor- 

 rhage, or, if the irritation has been severe, ulcers will be 

 found (pyeloulcerosa). In cases which have resulted from 

 obstruction to the flow of urine, we may find dilatation of 

 the pelvis of the kidneys, with the presence of urine (hydro- 

 nephrosis). 



Symptoms.— This disease does not present a clear clinical 

 picture; it can easily be confused with inflammation of the 

 kidneys or adjacent parts. The general symptoms are a 

 disturbed general condition of the animal, frequent micturi- 

 tion, which is more or less painful, stiff, painful gait, loss of 

 appetite and slight elevation of temperature. The urine 

 shows changes which should be considered. It will be found 

 to contain much mucus, pus, organic sediment, long-tailed 

 epithelial cells, having pointed projections on the ends, 

 which come from the membrane of the renal pelvis. The 

 urine should be examined for parasite eggs; this will often 

 assist in locating the seat of the inflammation. Small granules 

 are found when calculi are present. Careful palpation as in 

 chronic nephritis may assist in locating the inflammation. 



Diagnosis.— The microscopic examination of the urine is 

 the best means of making an accurate diagnosis. The pres- 

 ence of the peculiar, molar-shaped epithelial cells may be 

 considered significant. Pyelitis must be differentiated from 

 inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bladder or 

 ureters. The presence of parasite eggs (Dioctophyme renale) 

 in the urine will be indicative of involvement of the renal 

 pelvis. 



Prognosis.— The prognosis depends to some extent upon the 

 causative factor. In most cases it is not very favorable. 



