A nephrectomy is the removal of a kidney. The kidney is responsible for many life sustaining functions. It’s primary purpose is removal of metabolic waste in the form of urine and regulation of water and electrolyte balances. Cats and dogs have two kidneys. The ureter transports urine from the kidney into the urinary bladder. The kidney can be affected by many disease processes including neoplasia (cancer), infection, obstruction, calculi (stones), and failure. Some of these diseases necessitate removal of the kidney to cure or suppress the disease. A celiotomy is performed for a nephrectomy. Dogs and cats can live with only one kidney as long as it is functioning properly.

	Severely diseased kidney after removal