Contributors: Vetstream Ltd
Species: Feline | Classification: Techniques
Introduction Requirements Preparation Procedure Aftercare Outcomes Further Reading
Introduction
- Introduction or negative or positive contrast into the urinary bladder.
- Allows visualization of radiolucent masses, calculi, foreign bodies and assessment of bladder wall.
Uses
- Investigation of dysuria.
- Investigation of hematuria Hematuria.
- Evaluation of caudal abdominal masses that may be associated with the bladder.
- Assessment of bladder integrity following trauma.
- Identification of position of bladder when not visible on plain films.
Advantages
- Relatively simple procedure in most patients.
- Non-invasive.
Alternative Techniques
- Ultrasonography.
- Double contrast cystography Radiography: double contrast cystography - shows mucosal detail better.
Time Required
Preparation
- Dependent upon method of restraint.
- If chemical restraint (GA or sedation) required about 5 minutes to gather equipment.
Procedure
- 30 minutes dependent largely upon skill or radiographer and cooperation of patient.
Decision Taking
Criteria for choosing test
- Is the examination appropriate?
- Can you make the diagnosis without it?
- Will your management of the case be affected by the outcome of the examination?
Risk assessment
- Risk of air embolus with pneumocystogram if severe hematuria.
- Risk of bladder rupture if excessive contrast inserted.
Requirements
Materials Required
Minimum equipment
- X-ray machine.
- Processing facilities.
- Protective clothing (lead apron) for radiographer.
- Positioning aids (sandbags and ties).
- Method of labeling film.
- Receptacle for collecting urine.
Ideal equipment
- Ability to process films during procedure so that repeat radiographs can be formed during course of study if required.
- High output x-ray machine.
- High definition screen.
Minimum consumables
- Radiographic film and cassette.
- Contrast agent - air, CO2, N2O, water soluble contrast (organic iodine 125 mg/ml).
- Urinary catheter (Tom cat or small Foley).
- Sterile water-soluble lubricant (KY jelly).
- Three way tap.
Preparation
Dietary Preparation
- Starve animal for 12 hours prior to procedure to reduce fecal content in colon.
Restraint
- Sedation is advised to facilitate restraint in all radiographic procedures.
- Some animals may require general anesthesia.
Other Preparation
- Administration of an enema Enema several hours before procedure to ensure colon empty.
Procedure
Approach
Step 1 - Plain Radiographs
- Plain abdominal radiographs Radiography: abdomen should always be taken prior to contrast study to:
- Check exposure settings.
- Confirm animal adequately prepared, ie colon empty.
- Confirm positioning adequate.
- Check diagnosis not apparent on plain radiograph.
Core Procedure
Step 1 - Disinfect prepuce or vagina
- Swab area with diluted surgical scrub.
Step 2 - Catheterize bladder
- Premeasure length of urethra from plain radiograph.
- Using sterile technique, lubricate tip of catheter with sterile lubricant (KY jelly).
- Insert catheter into urethra to premeasured length.
- Attach three way tap.
Step 3 - Empty bladder
- Empty bladder of urine using syringe.
- Measure volume of urine removed.
Exit
Step 1 - Instill contrast
- Attach syringe filled with contrast to three way tap.
- Inject contrast slowly.
- The volume of contrast injected should usually be the same as the volume of urine removed.
- It may be possible to palpate the bladder through the body wall in which case inject until bladder feels tense.
- Stop injection if resistance to injection is felt or until contrast leaks round the catheter.
- If in doubt as to degree of bladder filling, take radiograph to assess bladder filling.
Step 2 - Take radiograph
- Lateral and oblique left and right lateral projections should be taken.
- Oblique projections reduce superimposition of spine on bladder.
- Assess degree of bladder filling.
- Bladder needs to be moderately distended to evaluate bladder wall thickness.
If bladder under filled erroneous diagnosis of bladder wall thickening may be made. - If bladder under filled inject more contrast and repeat radiographs.
Step 3 - Empty bladder
- Reattach syringe to three way tap and remove contrast.
- Remove catheter.
Aftercare
Outcomes
Complications
Fatal air embolus
- Reported following pneumocystography.
- Rare and most likely if severe hematuria.
It may be safer to use positive contrast or CO2 or N2O as they are more soluble in serum than air.
Bladder rupture
- Can occur if overinflate with contrast.
Minimize risk by measuring volume of contrast injected and stop if resistance to injection felt. - If suspecting bladder rupture (eg post RTA) use positive contrast.
- Sharp pointed catheters may penetrate bladder wall if inserted too far.
Knotting or kinking of catheter
- May occur if catheter is inserted too far.
- Will require cystotomy to remove.
- Premeasure length of urethra from control film to avoid this complication.
Reasons for Treatment Failure
- Inability to catheterize bladder.
- Misdiagnosis of bladder wall thickening if insufficient contrast injected.
- May have mucosal abnormalities which may not be apparent on radiography.
- Overinflation of bladder may result in false negative diagnosis.
Further Reading
Publications
Refereed papers
- Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
- Johnston G R, Feeney D A & Osbourne C A (1982) Urethrography and cystography in cats - 1. techniques, normal radiographic anatomy and artefacts. Comp Cont Ed 10, 823-836.
- Thayer G W, Carrig C B & Evans A T (1980) Fatal air embolism associated with pneumocystography in a cat. JAVMA 176 (7), 643-645 PubMed.
- Zontine W J & Andrews L K (1978) Fatal air embolization as a complication of pneumocystography in two cats. JAVRS 19 (1), 8-11 VetMedResource.