Canine Urolithiasis and Concurrent Urinary Bladder Abnormalities: Symptoms, Haematology, Urinalysis and Comparative Radiographic and Ultrasonographic Diagnosis

Abstract

Background
Urocystoliths are difficult to palpate and physical examination findings, complete blood cell count (CBC) and serum biochemical
analysis are usually normal and the clinical signs are not definitive. Thus diagnostic imaging is a crucial tool required to confirm
the diagnosis of urolithiasis in dogs presented with non-specific clinical signs of urogenital affection.
Aim
The aim of this study was to compare the capability of radiography and ultrasonography in detecting uroliths and concurrent
urinary system abnormalities and to evaluate clinical, haematological and urinalysis findings of dogs affected with urolithiasis during the presentation.
Methods
Findings of signalment, history, physical and laboratory examination of blood and urine were performed and recorded. All dogs
presented with complete or partial urinary obstruction, haematuria and renal failure were subjected to both radiographic and
ultrasonographic evaluation. Uroliths were retrieved by a cystotomy, urethrotomy, and at necropsy from kidney failure cases confirming urolithiasis.
Results
The result revealed occult clinical haematuria in 56.5%, microscopic haematuria in 78.3% and dysuria/anuria in 34.8% of the
affected dogs. Crystalluria is detected in seven (30.4%) of urolithiasis affected dogs. The total leukocyte count was significantly
elevated (p≤0.05) in partially and completely obstructed dogs. Radiography diagnosed 19 of 23 urolithiasis cases in the urinary
bladder (UB), 2 of 2 in the kidney and 12 of 13 in the urethra while ultrasonography diagnosed 17 of 23 urolithiasis cases in the
UB and one in the urethra. From a total of 15 dogs presented with either neoplastic growth and/or cystitis concurrent with urolithiasis, ultrasound detected six while pneumocystogrpahy detected only one.
Conclusion
The study showed haematuria as the leading clinical sign of urolithiasis. Detection of urolithiasis and concurrent cystitis and/or
urinary bladder growth increases when ultrasonography and radiography were employed together.