Introduction

Overview

• Radiography allows evaluation of kidney number, size, shape and position.
  Significant renal disease may be present despite radiological appearance of normal kidneys.
• 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 ventrodorsal projection is the most useful for evaluation the kidneys.
• 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 IVU Radiography: intravenous urography although they may be performed under sedation.

Artifacts

Urine samples should be obtained prior to contrast studies as the contrast media will alter the results of urinalysis.

• Nipples overlying the kidneys or bladder may be mistaken for calculi.
  To identify position of nipples paint them with barium or attach a paper clip.

Indications

• Hematuria Hematuria.
• Dysuria.
• Urinary incontinence Urinary incontinence.
• Polycythema 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 kidney.

Radiographic anatomy

Interpretation

Additional studies

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
• Kaufmann M L, Osbourne C A, Johnston G R et al (1987) Renal ectopia in a dog and a cat. JAVMA 190 (1), 73-77 PubMed.