RENAL

摘要

Ultrasound examination of the urinary tract has become a routine procedure in veterinary medicine. Ultrasound is often one of the initial diagnostic studies used to evaluate the urinary system because it safely provides essential anatomical information such as size, shape, and organ internal architecture. Advantages over conventional radiography include the ability to study the kidneys in the presence of peritoneal or retroperitoneal fluid and in emaciated patients when lack of intra-abdominal fat hinders radiographic renal visualization. Subcapsular fluid accumulation, small renal masses, and evaluation of the ureters are additional examples of advantages over conventional radiographic imaging. Doppler studies allow assessment of renal blood flow.Ultrasound is commonly used by skilled veterinarians to safely obtain renal biopsies or aspirates. Ultrasound is also safe and noninvasive. Although ultrasound is superior to conventional diagnostic radiography in many instances, there are also limitations. In some large or obese patients, the kidneys may be difficult to fully examine. Bowel gas can interfere with the examination. Excretory urography is better for qualitative assessment of renal function, visualization of nondilated ureters, study of subtle pelvic or diverticular pathology, and diagnosis of the loss of urinary tract integrity such as leakage from renal, ureteral, or urinary bladder trauma. Diagnostic information potentially gained from survey radiographs, and excretory urograms shouldnot be overlooked, as it is often complementary.