Positive and negative contrast studies can provide additional, often valuable, information to aid in diagnostic evaluation of the urinary tract. Daniel VanderHart, DVM, DACVR, leaves no stone unturned as he discusses the various types of calculi and the use of radiography and ultrasonography.
Source: Clinician’s Brief, February 2017. Link.
Radiography and ultrasonography can provide information related to anatomic changes that are present within the kidneys including changes in renal size, shape, and margination. Ultrasonography can help identify and differentiate between the presence of renal dystrophic mineralization and renal calculi. Contrast radiography can also supplement these imaging modalities for visualization of obstructions of the ureters or urethra or the presence of non-radiopaque urocystoliths.
INSIGHTS: Dr. VanderHart’s review of calculi and detection methods provides a good backdrop for reviewing techniques with clinic team members. Consider this article as a topic for a team meeting and discussion.