Imaging the Urinary System

Question 1

• What radiograph technique should be used for a plain abdominal radiograph?

Answer 1

Use a low kV with a fast screen/film/plate

Question 2

• Describe the appearance of healthy ureters on a normal radiograph?

Answer 2

Not usually seen

Question 3

• Give an example of a positive and a negative contrast agent that could be used in a radiograph?

Answer 3

Positive – compound containing iodine, appear radiopaque

Negative – air, appear radiolucent

Question 4

• Describe the phases of an intravenous urography?

Answer 4

Angiogram phase – contrast is still in the blood
Nephrogram phase – 0 mins, contrast is beginning to pass through the glomeruli into the tubules of the nephrons
Pyelogram phase
- 5 mins, contrast passed into renal pelvis
- 10 mins, contrast passed along ureters and into the bladder
- 15 mins, contrast has passed into the vagina

Question 5

• What possible contrast medias are available for performing a retrograde cystogram?

Answer 5

Air (pneumocystogram), positive contrast, double contrast

Question 6

• How would you image the urethra in a male dog?

Answer 6

Retrograde urethrography

Question 7

• How do the three layers of the bladder wall appear on ultrasound?

Answer 7

Inner mucosal interface (hyperechoic), muscle layer (hypoechoic), outer serosal layer (hyperechoic)