Introduction

• Introduction of negative and positive contrast into bladder gives maximum radiographic information on bladder disease.

Uses

• Investigation of hematuria Hematuria.
• Investigation of dysuria.
• Identification of non-radiodense uroliths Urolithiasis.
• Assessment of bladder wall thickness.
• Assessment of bladder mucosal lining .
• Identification of bladder masses.

Advantages

• Relatively simple procedure in most patients.
• Non-invasive.
• Improved mucosal detail over pneumocystogram or positive contrast cystogram.
• Enables identification of radiolucent foreign body or blood clots.

Disadvantages

• Can be impossible to catheterize some patients (with obstructed urethras).
• Risk of air embolus or bladder rupture if bladder over-inflated with air or severe hematuria.
• Not appropriate if bladder or urethral rupture suspected.

Requirements

Preparation

Procedure

Aftercare

Outcomes

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
• Weichselbaum R C, Feeney D A, Jessen C R et al (1999) Urocystolith detection: comparison of survey, contrast radiographic and ultrasonographic techniques in an in vitro bladder phantom. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 40 (4), 386-400 PubMed.
• Weichselbaum R C, Feeney D A, Jessen C R et al (1998) In vitro evaluation of contrast medium concentration and depth effects on the radiographic appearance of specific canine urolith mineral types. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 39 (5), 396-411 PubMed.
• Scrivani P V, Léveillé R, Collins R L (1997) The effect of patient positioning on mural filling defects during double contrast cystography. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 38 (5), 355-359 PubMed.
• Mahaffey M B, Barsanti J A, Crowell W A et al (1989) Cystography - effect of technique on diagnosis of cystitis in dogs. Vet Radiol and Ultrasound 30 (6), 261-267 VetMedResource.
• Park R D (1974) Radiographic contrast studies of the lower urinary tract. Vet Clin N A 4 (4), 863-87 PubMed.