HYPERTROPHY OF THE KIDNEY.
Hypertrophy of both kidneys has not been recorded in domestic animals. On the other hand the extraordinary development of one in compensation for the loss or atrophy of the other is not uncommon. In this the organ follows the general law of adaptation, seen in the double symmetrical organs (testicle, etc.) and the more so that its functional activity is indispensable to life. Among causes are: blocking of an ureter by calculus, worms, neoplasm, nephritic abscess, gangrene, etc. The enlargement of the remaining kidney is a vicarious act and essentially a physiological one.
If compensation is perfect, it may be impossible to detect symptoms apart from those of the primary disease.
Prognosis. Life is endangered in case of any subsequent kidney disease.