Comparison of radiographic methods for detecting radiolucent uroliths in dogs

PLoS One. 2022 Sep 22;17(9):e0274087. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274087. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare positive cystography techniques at 5%, 10%, and 20%, as well as three different double-contrast protocols for detecting radiolucent uroliths with a diameter of less than 3.0 mm in dogs. Six cadavers were used, one was selected at random to represent the negative control, and the others were submitted to urolith implantation in the bladder by urethral catheter. Three radiology professionals blindly accessed ventrodorsal and -lateral projections of each test. Contrast at 20% showed greater diagnostic sensitivity, but with greater difficulty identifying the number and size of the uroliths. Consequently, double-contrast techniques are better and should be used for diagnostic and therapeutic planning. Sensitivity and specificity tests demonstrated that positive 5% cystography and different concentrations of double contrast obtained better results in terms of sensitivity and specificity. However, due to the presence of a greater amount of artifacts in the 5% cystography, it is suggested that double contrast is used for this purpose, especially with the removal of contrast excess (protocol 2).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Dog Diseases* / diagnostic imaging
  • Dogs
  • Radiography
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Urinary Bladder / diagnostic imaging
  • Urinary Calculi* / diagnostic imaging

Grants and funding

This work was supported by the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel – Brazil (CAPES - finance code 0001) and research funds from the Graduate Program in Veterinary Sciences of College of Veterinary Medicine of Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU). role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.