![]() The easiest way to locate a dilated ureter is to trace the ureter from the renal pelvis. Normal ureters are typically not seen on ultrasonography due to their small size. The obstruction can be located at any point of the ureter and can vary in severity. While ureteral calculi have been reported as the most common cause of ureteral obstructions, other causes such as iatrogenic ligation, blood clots, tumor, strictures (congenital and acquired), solidified blood stones, and a circumcaval ureter have been reported. Ureteral calculi are a common cause of ureteral obstruction localization of ureteral calculi is imperative prior to choosing appropriate management. Based on the ventrodorsal projection (not shown), these calculi were likely to be associated with the right ureter. 4įigure 5A Lateral abdominal radiograph of a dog with 2 well-defined, oval mineral opacities superimposed over the retroperitoneal space caudal and dorsal to the kidneys ( arrows). A combination of radiography, positive contrast radiography (excretory urography), and ultrasonography has been shown to have an increased sensitivity for the diagnosis of ureteral calculi when compared with ultrasonography alone ( Figure 5). Dystrophic mineralization of the renal parenchyma, often associated with the collecting system, is another differential for mineralization localized to the kidney ( Figure 4). Renal calculi can vary markedly in size, number, shape, and opacity ( Figure 3). ![]() Calculi can obstruct the renal pelvis or ureter, predispose to pyelonephritis, or result in compressive injury of the renal parenchyma leading to progressive chronic kidney disease. While both dystrophic mineralization and calculi can be incidental findings, the presence of calculi can result in further complications. It is important to recognize renal calculi and differentiate them from dystrophic mineralization of the renal diverticula. These represent end-on vessels with renal veins seen cranially ( arrow) and deep circumflex iliac vessels seen caudally ( arrowheads).Ĭalculi within the kidney or ureter present diagnostic and management challenges. Notice several circular soft tissue opacities superimposed over the retroperitoneal space. Figure 2A A right lateral radiograph of a normal dog. ![]()
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