Small Animal Radiology and Ultrasound: A Diagnostic Atlas and Text

Chapter Three The Abd omen 385
A
B
Fig. 3-162 Longitudinal (A and B)
and transverse (C and D) sonograms
of the left kidney of a 5-year-old
female Rottweiler with a history of
anorexia and pyrexia of 5 days
duration. There is moderate
hydronephrosis with dilation of the
renal pelvis (arrows). This may be
secondary to infection or obstruction.
Diagnosis: Hydronephrosis
secondary to bladder wall thickening,
lymphoma.
C
D
Fig. 3-163 Longitudinal sonograms
of the left kidney of a 13-year-old
male Coonhound with a history of
vomiting and diarrhea of 4 weeks
duration. The ureter and renal pelvis
are markedly distended. There is a
heteroechoic mass that surrounds
and obstructs the ureter. This is
most likely neoplastic. Diagnosis:
Retroperitoneal carcinoma with secondary
hydronephrosis.
Ultrasonography has been reported to be more sensitive than excretory urography in
detecting acute pyelonephritis. 486 Renal pelvic and proximal ureteral dilation and a hyperechoic
line along the renal crest have been described as the major findings. A uniformly
echogenic renal cortex, focal hypoechoic or hyperechoic areas within the renal cortex,
and hypoechoic focal lesions within the medulla also have been observed (Figs. 3-166 and
3-167). 486 Depending on the interpreter’s suspicion of pyelonephritis, the sonographic findings
in combination with a urinalysis and culture are probably adequate. However, if there
is a question, an EU often can confirm or refute pyelonephritis, particularly in dogs. 469