Radiographic and Ultrasonographic Findings in Dogs with Renal Space Occupying Lesion

Abstract

Renal space-occupying lesions may be difficult to characterise clinically because affected dogs can present with nonspecific signs and marked variation in lesion size and appearance. This study evaluated the diagnostic findings obtained through abdominal radiography and ultrasonography in eight dogs with renal space-occupying lesions. Four dogs were diagnosed with hydronephrosis, while four had renal masses considered to be tumorous. Right lateral and ventrodorsal abdominal radiographs were obtained where feasible, and intravenous pyelography was performed in three dogs with suspected ureteral abnormalities. Ultrasonographic examination assessed the organ of origin, lesion dimensions, echotexture, vascularity, adjacent organs, and evidence of metastasis. Diagnoses were correlated with clinical, haematobiochemical, cytological, histopathological, surgical, and intraoperative findings where available. Radiography identified abdominal soft-tissue masses and displacement of adjacent intestinal loops but provided limited information for differentiating hydronephrosis from renal tumours. Ultrasonography demonstrated dilatation of the renal pelvis and ureter, loss of corticomedullary architecture in hydronephrotic kidneys, and heterogeneous echotexture and variable vascularity in renal masses. Surgical treatment was undertaken in four dogs using nephrectomy or nephroureterectomy according to the lesion and associated ureteral involvement. The findings indicate that radiography is useful for identifying the location and mass effect of renal lesions, whereas ultrasonography provides additional information concerning internal architecture, vascularity, ureteral involvement, and adjacent abdominal structures. Larger prospective studies with uniform confirmatory testing are required to determine comparative diagnostic performance.