Vestibular, vaginal, and urethral relations in spayed dogs with and without lower urinary tract signs

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the urogenital anatomy in female spayed dogs with and without signs of lower urinary tract disease by using conventional vaginourethrography, computed tomography (CT) vaginourethrography, and uroendoscopy. Nineteen dogs with lower urinary tract disease and 12 normal dogs were evaluated prospectively. Measurements made included vaginal length, vaginal height, vaginal width, vestibule length, vestibule height, vestibule width, vestibulovaginal ratios, cingulum height, cingulum width, cingulum area, urethral length, urethral height, urethral width, angle of urethra to vestibule, and angle of vaginal to vestibule. Group comparisons were made between dogs with and without lower urinary tract disease. Comparisons between conventional vaginourethrography and CT vaginourethrography were made when the same anatomical measurement was made by the 2 imaging modalities. There was no significant difference in all of the measurements (P > .01), including vestibulovaginal ratios and cingulum areas, between dogs with and without lower urinary tract disease. There was a larger proportion of dogs with a vestibulovaginal ratio <0.33 in normal dogs (8 of 12) compared with the clinical dogs (8 of 16). A significant difference between vestibulovaginal ratios or cingulum areas between dogs with and without lower urinary tract disease could not be identified. This suggests that a vestibulovaginal ratio of <0.33 may only be an incidental finding and the term "vestibulovaginal stenosis" may need to be redefined.     

Cystoscopy: techniques and clinical applications

Cystoscopy is a powerful tool for characterization of lower urinary tract disease in dogs and cats. Current applications of cystoscopy include diagnostic and interventional techniques. This article reviews cystoscopy equipment, procedures, and common applications of cystoscopy. A review of normal anatomy and common lower urinary tract lesions identifiable with cystoscopy is also presented.     

Evaluation of a bladder tumor antigen test for the diagnosis of lower urinary tract malignancies in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of a human bladder tumor antigen test for diagnosis of lower urinary tract malignancies in dogs. SAMPLE POPULATION: Urine samples from dogs without urinary tract abnormalities (n = 18) and from dogs with lower urinary tract neoplasia (20) or nonmalignant urinary tract disease (16). PROCEDURE: Test results were compared among groups and among 3 observers. The effects of urine pH and specific gravity, degree of hematuria, and storage temperature and time of urine samples on test results were also assessed. RESULTS: Test sensitivity and specificity were 90 and 94.4%, respectively, for differentiating dogs with lower urinary tract neoplasia from dogs without abnormalities. However, specificity decreased to 35% for differentiating dogs with neoplasia from dogs with nonmalignant urinary tract disease. In dogs with neoplasia, results were significantly affected by degree of hematuria. However, addition of blood to urine from dogs without hematuria had no significant effect on test results. Although intraobserver variation was significant, urine pH, specific gravity, or storage time or temperature had no significant effect on results. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although this bladder tumor antigen test was sensitive for differentiating dogs with malignancies of the lower urinary tract from dogs without urinary tract disease, it was not specific for differentiating dogs with neoplasia from dogs with other lower urinary tract abnormalities. It cannot, therefore, be recommended as a definitive diagnostic aid for the detection of lower urinary tract malignancies in dogs.     

Clinical features and risk factors for development of urinary tract infections in cats

The clinical and diagnostic features of 155 cats with urinary tract infection (UTI) and 186 controls with negative urine culture/s were characterized retrospectively (signalment, clinical signs, urinalysis, urine culture, concurrent diseases, lower urinary tract diagnostic/therapeutic procedures). Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify risk factors associated with UTI. Cats of all ages were affected by UTI with no sex/breed predisposition. Lower urinary tract signs were absent in 35.5% of cats with UTI. Pyuria and bacteriuria had sensitivities of 52.9% and 72.9%, and specificities of 85.5% and 67.7% for detection of UTI, respectively. Risk factors significantly associated with increased odds of UTI were urinary incontinence [odds ratio (OR) = 10.78, P = 0.0331], transurethral procedures (OR = 8.37, P <0.0001), urogenital surgery (OR = 6.03, P = 0.0385), gastrointestinal disease (OR = 2.62, P = 0.0331), decreased body weight (OR = 0.81, P = 0.0259) and decreased urine specific gravity (OR = 0.78, P = 0.0055). Whilst not independently significant, renal disease and lower urinary tract anatomic abnormalities improved statistical model performance and contributed to UTI.     

Canine Bladder and Urethral Tumors: A Retrospective Study of 115 Cases (1980–1985)

One hundred and fifteen dogs with neoplasms of the lower urinary tract (bladder and/or urethra) were retrospectively evaluated at five referral institutions participating in ongoing studies by the Veterinary Cooperative Oncology Group. Most tumors were malignant (97%) and of epithelial origin (97%). Lower urinary tract tumors were more common in older dogs weighing greater than 10 kg. The following significant (P less than 0.05) statistical associations were found using the University of Guelph hospital population as control; there was no sex predisposition although the female:male ratio was 1.95:1. Neutered dogs were predisposed as were Airedale Terriers, Beagles, and Scottish Terriers, whereas German Shepherds were significantly under-represented among dogs with lower urinary tract tumors. These statistical associations should be interpreted cautiously because of possible demographic differences in hospital populations among the University of Guelph and other cooperating institutions. There were no significant correlations between age, gender, weight, breed, response to therapy, and survival time. Clinical signs were indicative of lower urinary tract disease and included hematuria, stranguria, and pollakiuria. The laboratory data were nonspecific except for urinalysis test results. Hematuria and inflammatory urinary sediments were most commonly reported; neoplastic cells were identified in the urine sediment of 30% of dogs with lower urinary tract tumors. Contrast cystography was a useful noninvasive diagnostic method since 96% of the dogs had a mass or filling defect in the lower urinary tract demonstrated by this technique.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Diagnostic approach to hematuria in dogs and cats.

Hematuria indicates the presence of urogenital disease in dogs and cats. Persistent hematuria (macroscopic or microscopic) should be evaluated to determine the source of bleeding and the underlying cause so that appropriate treatment can be recommended. Results of the history and physical examination often help to localize disease to the urinary tract (either upper or lower) or genital tract.Additional diagnostic evaluation, including laboratory testing(eg, urinalysis, urine culture), diagnostic imaging (eg, abdominal radiographs, ultrasound), and collection of tissues for cytologic or histopathologic evaluation, may be needed to identify the underlying cause. If a thorough evaluation fails to reveal the source or cause of hematuria, exploratory celiotomy should be considered,especially if idiopathic renal hematuria is possible.     

Applicability of endoscopic examination as a diagnostic approach in urinary tract ailments in dogs

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the applicability of endoscopic examination as a diagnostic method in urethra and bladder ailments in dogs. The experiment involved 60 dogs of different breeds and gender, weighing from 5 to 65 kg, aged between 7 months and 12 years. The dogs were divided into two groups. Group I consisted of clinically healthy animals on which all the lower urinary tract endoscopic examinations described in the literature as well as biopsies of mucosa were performed. Group II consisted of clinical patients, on which endoscopic diagnostic examination was conducted and, on some of them, biopsies for histopathologic examination were made. The results of the experiment suggest that the lower urinary track endoscopy is a suitable diagnostic technique for recognition and differentiation of mucosa inflammation, establishment of causes of haematuria, diagnostics of neoplasms and detection of the existence of an ectopic ureter. Biopsy and histopathologic examination improved the diagnostic value of endoscopy. The techniques tested in our study, inclusive of more invasive method like PPC and cystoscopy on males preceded by the perineal urethrotomy, enable doctors to perform the lower urinary tract endoscopic examination on dogs, especially up to 5 kg. regardless of their gender.     

COMPARATIVE ORGAN IMAGING Lower Urinary Tract

Survey and contrast radiography, ultrasonography, and computed tomography are diagnostic imaging modes used to evaluate the urinary bladder, prostate gland, and urethra. Their comparative advantages and limitations for evaluation of the lower urinary tract are described and illustrated. Veterinary Radiology, Vol. 25, No. 4, 1984; pp 146–153 .     

Evaluation of the Rabbit Urinary Tract

Urinary tract disease is not an uncommon presentation for pet rabbits. It is beneficial for the veterinarian treating these patients to have a thorough understanding of a rabbit's urogenital anatomy, renal physiology, and diseases that affect the kidney and urinary tract. The evaluation of the rabbit urinary tract requires a multidisciplinary approach including the procurement of a thorough history, signalment, assessment of clinical signs, physical examination, and diagnostic test results. To obtain a definitive disease diagnosis, more intensive diagnostic testing may be required, including contrast radiography, ultrasound evaluation, and histopathological assessment of biopsy samples. This article will provide information to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of rabbit urinary tract diseases.     

Small animal bronchoscopy.

Bronchoscopy is a useful diagnostic and therapeutic tool in veterinary medicine. The increased availability of fiberoptic technology and video-endoscopy has enhanced recognition of the benefits gained from visualization of the lower airways in animals with lower respiratory tract disease. Specimens retrieved from the lower airway during bronchoscopy have greater diagnostic capacity, and a better understanding of the pathophysiology of disease is provided through application of bronchoscopy to animals with respiratory tract disease.     

Relationship of Lower Urinary Tract Signs to Seropositivity for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus in Cats

A group of 41 cats with signs of lower urinary tract disease was compared to a group of 41 cats without any history of disease for prevalence of seropositivity for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). The group of healthy cats was similar in age and gender to the group of cats with signs of lower urinary tract disease. Three of the cats with lower urinary tract disease and one control cat were seropositive for FIV.
This difference was not statistically significant. The most common cause of lower urinary tract signs was idiopathic. Only 7 cats had urinary tract infection, most associated with perineal urethrostomy or catheterization. Six of the cats with bacterial urinary tract infections were FIV negative. J Vet Intern Med 1996;10:34–38. Copyright © 1996 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine .     

Recent concepts in feline lower urinary tract disease.

This article presents and discusses recent concepts in feline lower urinary tract disease.     

Aspergillus species cystitis in a cat.

A Persian male cat with a history of lower urinary tract disease was presented because of polydipsia, polyuria, constipation and nasal discharge. Ten weeks before admission, the cat had been treated for lower urinary tract disease by catheterisation and flushing of the bladder. The animal was thin, dehydrated, anaemic and azotaemic. Urine culture revealed Aspergillus species cystitis. Antibodies against Aspergillus nidulans were identified in serum. Fluconazole was administered orally (7.5 mg/kg, q 12 h) for 10 consecutive weeks. The azotaemia was resolved, the kidney concentrating ability was recovered and the cat has remained healthy without similar problems.     

Evaluation of a catheter biopsy technique as a diagnostic aid in lower urinary tract disease

The catheter biopsy technique described by Melhoff and Osborne (1977) has been evaluated as a diagnostic aid in lower urinary tract disease in 21 animals. Of 16 animals in which the final diagnosis was known, the diagnosis suggested by the biopsy was accurate in 15. The equipment required for obtaining a biopsy is inexpensive and readily available and the method can be recommended for use in veterinary practice.     

Exploratory celiotomy for suspected urinary tract disruption in neonatal foals: a review of 18 cases

The medical records of 18 neonatal foals, in which exploratory celiotomies were performed for suspected urinary tract lesions, were reviewed. Despite clinical signs and laboratory values indicative of disruption of the urinary tract, three foals did not have a site of urinary tract leakage at surgery. Eight foals had ruptured bladders and seven foals had urachal lesions. Ultrasonography was used as a pre-operative diagnostic procedure in eight foals to evaluate the presence of free peritoneal fluid and urinary tract integrity. Nine foals were alive six months after discharge. Seven of the nine non-surviving foals died or were destroyed because of fungal or bacterial infections.     

Urinary tract abnormalities in the dog

The paper describes unusual conditions of the lower urinary tract in the dog, with particular emphasis on radiological diagnosis.
Résumé. Les auteurs décrivent des anomalies des voies urinaires basses chez le chien en insistant sur les aspects radiologiques du diagnostic.
Zusammenfassung. Die Abhandlung beschreibt ungewöhnliche Zustände des unteren Harn-trakts beim Hund mit besonderer Berücksichtigung der radiologischen Diagnostik.     

ULTRASONOGRAPHIC APPEARANCE OF THE LOWER URINARY TRACT IN FIFTEEN NORMAL HORSES

The purpose of this study was to describe the normal ultrasonographic appearance of the caudal portion of the equine ureters, pelvic urethra, and urinary bladder and to assess ureteral contractility. Fifteen horses with no evidence of urinary tract disease (five females, five intact males and five geldings) were studied. The lower urinary tract was evaluated ultrasonographically using a transrectal approach. The normal ultrasonographic appearance and anatomic location of structures of the lower urinary tract were evaluated and anatomic relationships described. Both ureters were identified dorsal to the bladder and at their openings into the bladder. Their relationship and different appearance from the male deferent ducts/ampullae and vesicular glands was noted. Ultrasonographic measurements of the diameter of the ureters and urethra were obtained and the ureteral, urethral, and urinary bladder wall thickness recorded. The normal parameters established in this study will be useful during sonographic examination of horses with suspected urinary tract disease. Transrectal ultrasonographic examination is valuable in assessing the presence and frequency of ureteral contractions as well as in detecting structural abnormalities of the lower urinary tract. The use of high-frequency transrectal ultrasound transducers allows for excellent visualization of the structures of the equine lower urinary tract.     

Urinary tract infections in cats with hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease

The prevalence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in cats with hyperthyroidism (n=90), diabetes mellitus (DM) (n=57) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) (n=77) was evaluated retrospectively. It was found to be 12% in cats with hyperthyroidism and DM, respectively, and 22% in cats with CKD. Associations between UTIs and clinical signs, biochemical markers in serum and urinalyses were investigated. Many of the cats with UTIs had no clinical signs of lower urinary tract disease or changes in their laboratory values indicative of infection. Therefore, a urinalysis alone should not be used to exclude UTIs in these cats. UTIs are relatively common in cats with hyperthyroidism, DM and CKD, and urine cultures are recommended as part of the basic diagnostic plan for cats suspected of suffering from these conditions.     

Antibody coated bacteria in urine sediment from cattle infected with Corynebacterium renale.

Using the fluorescent antibody test, the presence of antibody-coated bacteria in 10 out of 17 urine sediment samples from cattle infected with Corynebacterium renale is described. These antibodies were mainly of the immunoglobulin class IgG, and to a lesser extent IgA. This finding is characteristic for infections of the upper urinary tract (pyelonephritis). In seven samples no antibody coating of the bacterial surface was detected. In these cases an infection of the lower urinary tract (cystitis) is suggested.