Introduction

• Radiography allows evaluation of kidney and bladder number, size, shape and position.
  Significant renal disease may be present despite radiological appearance of normal kidneys.
• Ureters and urethra are not normally visible without contrast studies.
• Ovaries and uterus are not visible unless they are enlarged.
• Radiography of limited value to assess testicular and penile diseases.
• Contrast radiography is required for full evaluation of the urinary tract.
• Radiography is of limited value in assessing renal function Renal function assessment.

Radiographic considerations

• The lateral projection is most useful for evaluation of the bladder and urethra.
• A low KVp and high mAs should be used to maximize contrast of abdominal radiographs.
• A grid is necessary if the depth of tissue is >10 cm.
• Care should be taken to include the entire urinary tract for most investigations.

Restraint

• GA is preferred for contrast studies, eg cystogram Radiography: double contrast cystography , or urethrography Radiography: urethrography although they may be performed under sedation.

Indications

• Hematuria Hematuria.
• Dysuria.
• Urinary incontinence Urinary incontinence.
• Polycythemia Polycythemia: primary.
• Weight loss (suspect PLN).
• Anuria.
• Following trauma to investigate integrity of urinary tract.
• Investigation of abdominal masses Abdominal organomegaly.
  Ultrasonography Ultrasonography: bladder and urinary tract often allows a more complete evaluation of the urinary and genital tracts with the exception of the urethra for which radiography is preferred.

Radiographic anatomy

Interpretation

Pitfalls

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.