Diagnostic Imaging of the Upper Urinary Tract

Question 1

In relation to the vertebrae, where would you normally expect the right and left kidneys of the dog? Which is more cranial?

Answer 1

RK: T13-L2
LK: L1-L4
Right is always more cranial

Question 2

In relation to the vertebrae, where would you normally expect the right and left kidneys of the cat? Which is more cranial?

Answer 2

Both kidneys roughly L2-L5.

The right is usually more cranial, however it is not as marked as in the dog.

Question 3

Where does the bladder lie (cranial, caudal, ventral, dorsal etc.) on a lateral radiograph in relation to the A) colon, B) uterine stump, C) prostate, D) Pubis

Answer 3

A & B - Ventral

C & D - Cranial

Question 4

When evaluating kidney size on a dorsoventral radiograph, what measurement (or marker) is used?

Answer 4

They are measured against the size of L2

Question 5

What is a normal size of a dog kidney on a DV radiograph in relation to L2?

Answer 5

2.5-3.5 x L2

Question 6

What is a normal size of a cat kidney on a DV radiograph in relation to L2?

Answer 6

1. 9-2.6 x L2

2. 1-3.2 x L2 (in entire male cats - spraying)

Question 7

Where does the normal prostate lie (cranial, caudal, ventral, dorsal etc.) on a lateral radiograph in relation to the A) colon, B) Pubis

Answer 7

A - ventral

B - dorsal

Question 8

Where does the normal uterus lie (cranial, caudal, ventral, dorsal etc.) on a lateral radiograph in relation to the A) colon, B) Bladder

Answer 8

A - ventral

B - dorsal

Question 9

On an ultrasound image, what size should a kidney be measured as in a cat? What about in a dog?

Answer 9

3.66 +- 0.46 cm

It is very variable in a dog depending on breed.

Question 10

What views should be taken radiographically in a dog to evaluate the urinary system?

Answer 10

VD and lateral (usually one but sometimes both), also in a male dog need a “butt shot” to evaluate the urethra.

Question 11

What is an excretory urogram (IV Pyelogram)? What kind of contrast is used? How is the contrast administered?

Answer 11

An IV pyelogram is used to evaluate the kidneys and ureters, as well as renal function. It used an iodine based contrast, given IV, which is then filtered by the kidneys and radiographed.

Question 12

What type of things would an IV pyelogram allow you to evaluate?

Answer 12

Size, shape, location, integrity of the kidney’s and ureters. Also allows evaluation of renal function and filtration.

Question 13

Does IV pyelography negative or positive contrast?

Answer 13

Positive - as it shows up white.

It is an iodine based contrast, BARIUM CONTRASTS CANNOT GO IV