Trikoupi G. DVM, MSc, PhD Student, Companion Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece | Adamama-Moraitou K. DVM, PhD, Professor, Companion Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece | Papadopoulou P. DVM, PhD, Associate Professor, Companion Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Introduction
The aim of this case report was to present the utility of CE-VUS as an alternative, easy-to-perform and radiation-free imaging technique in the diagnosis of pelvic bladder in a dog.
Clinical case
A 7-months-old, 12 kg, intact female, mixed breed dog was presented with a history of 5 months urinary incontinence. The dog received antibiotic therapies without improvement.
Results
Physical examination, complete blood count and biochemical analysis, urinalysis, urine culture were within normal limits. An empty urinary bladder was revealed on plain radiographs and gray scale ultrasonography. A urethral catheter was placed in the proximal part of the urethra under aseptic conditions and a CE-VUS examination was performed. During the CE-VUS examination, a second-generation ultrasound contrast agent was used, consisting of echogenic microbubbles. The contrast agent was infused via the transurethral catheter into the proximal urethra. Urinary bladder was presented within the pelvic canal when fully distended. Contrast cystourethrography was performed to confirm the caudal bladder malposition.
Conclusions
CE-VUS is a valuable technique to evaluate urinary bladder position in dogs. Based on our review of the literature, there are no published reports about the use of CE-VUS for the diagnosis of pelvic bladder in dogs.
