Confronto tra radiologia ed ecografia nelle ostruzioni uretrali del gatto.

Abstract

Urethral obstruction is one of the most common emergencies that involve the urinary tract. Untreated, it can rapidly lead to a life-threatening condition that is characterized by severe electrolyte and acid-base disturbances. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare radiography and ultrasonography in cats with urethral obstruction, in order to assess which of these two techniques is most useful for the evaluation of the alterations occurring during this condition. Cats with diagnosis of urethral obstruction referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Parma between February 2019 and September 2023 were enrolled. Inclusion criteria were as follows: symptoms of urethral obstruction and blood tests; radiographic evaluation at arrival; diagnosis of urethral obstruction; ultrasonographic evaluation at arrival or after unobstructing the urethra; urinalysis. Radiographic and ultrasonographic images, blood tests and urinalysis were evaluated. Ultrasonography and radiography had almost perfect agreement for the evaluation of bladder uroliths, substantial agreement for the evaluation of urethral uroliths and slight agreement for the evaluation of pericystitis and retroperitonitis.