Case Study

CT – Non-obstructive nephroliths and asymmetric pelvic urethra in a 5 year old FS dog

This 5 year old FS mixed canine has a one year history of inappropriate urination in the house. Licking vaginal area and water intake has increased. PE: mildly irritated skin over right inguinal area. CBC wnl, Chem GGT 32. U/A and culture pending.

DX

The CT findings are consistent with small accumulation of mineralized material within the left renal pelvis without evidence of obstruction, which is considered incidental.

Image Interpretation

CT of the abdomen –

Two non-obstructive small mineral attenuating objects of 3 x 1 mm and 1 x 1 mm are seen at the left renal papilla. The vesicoureteral junction (VUJ) of both ureters is at the same level in the region of the trigone of the urinary bladder, approximately 1.7 cm cranial to the bladder neck. The pelvic urethra is located to the right of the midline, but normal for width and shape.

Outcome

• Two small non-obstructive nephroliths left kidney
• Asymmetric course of the pelvic urethra and slight relative caudal position of
the urinary bladder – both considered within normal limits and of questionable
relevance
• Mild hip-dysplasia and mild osteoarthrosis of both coxofemoral joints

Comments

No macromorphological changes of the upper and lower urinary tract are noted. There was no evidence of ureteral ectopia. Cystoscopy of the lower urinary tract may be considered to rule out other pathology such as an urethrocele. Other possible causes would be behavioral problems, urinary bladder/sphincter dyssynergia, neurological disease or PU/PD.