(99m)Tc-DTPA diuretic renal scintigraphy in dogs with nephroureterolithiasis

This study evaluated the results of diuretic renal scintigraphy in dogs with urolithiasis. Eighty-three kidneys with nephroureterolithiasis +/- renal pelvis/ureteral dilation were included in the study. Sixty-three kidneys showed a non-obstructive pattern, with a steep drop or gradual downward slope of renal time-activity curve (TAC). Excretion half-time of radiopharmaceutical (T(1/2)) was 3.99 (2.99 to 7.95) min. Three kidneys showed an obstructive pattern, with continuous rise of the TAC and median T(1/2) of -10.71 (-5.20 to -17.56) min. Fifteen kidneys had non-diagnostic studies characterized by flat TAC. Individual kidney glomerular filtration rate was <0.5 mL/min/kg body weight in most non-diagnostic studies. Diuretic renal scintigraphy appears to be a useful adjunct modality to rule out or confirm ureteral obstruction in dogs. Additional diagnostic procedures may be necessary to achieve a definitive diagnosis in cases of severely impaired renal function.