124 B : A and B, A needle in the large intestine of a cat.

Two views are necessary to demonstrate its

position. Needles and other
sharp objects frequently pass through the alimentary tract without causing any clinical signs.

Foreign Body. Foreign bodies in the colon and rectum
are seldom of clinical significance because they
are usually passed or are easily removed. If a foreign
body is causing difficulty, it may be important to be
sure of its position. Radiography can be used to identify
its position with accuracy. At least two views at
right angles to one another are necessary. On occasion,
sharp pieces of bone or pointed foreign objects
become lodged in the colon or rectum (Figure 2-35, A
and B).

168 B
B, A double-contrast cystogram and intravenous urogram in a dog. The bladder has been distended with a large volume
of air. A small pool of positive contrast materialis present in the dependent portion of the bladder. Within this
pool an irregularly shaped radiolucent filling defect is present. The location and the irregular shape of the filling
defect are characteristic of a blood clot.





139 J
Figure 2-38, contd I and J, Dilation of the ureters and kidney pelves in a dog
with pyelonephritis. This was a 4-month-old puppy with
a history of hematuria and vomiting for 8 days.
Pyelonephritis. Pyelonephritis is a suppurative
inflammation of the kidney. The clinical signs are
indefinite, and urinalysis and urine culture are needed
for a definitive diagnosis of urinary tract infection. The
radiologic signs are usually not specific irregular
kidney outline and, in chronic cases, a decreased kidney
size. Intravenous urography may show dilation
and distortion of the kidney pelvis and recesses with
atrophy and asymmetry of the kidney cortex and dilation
of the proximal ureter (Figure 2-38, I and J).


152 B
Figure 2-43 A and B, A positive contrast study of the bladder after intravenous
injection of contrast medium. C, A combination of contrast procedures was
carried out in the following order: a pneumocystogram to distend the bladder,
an intravenous urogram to outline the ureters, and a retrograde
vaginourethrogram to outline the urethra and vagina. Positive contrast from
the ureters and urethra is seen within the bladder. Such a combination study
is useful in investigating a source of urinary tract rupture, urethritis, and
ectopic ureter.

Positive Contrast Cystography. The bladder is evacuated. Any aqueous organic
iodide medium recommended for urography is suitable. The contrast medium
should be diluted with sterile water or saline to a concentration of 10% to
20% weight/volume of iodine. The contrast medium is injected through a urinary
catheter until the bladder is moderately distended. This usually requires
approximately 6 to 12 mL/kg body weight of diluted contrast material.
Intravenous injection of contrast medium will also outline the bladder as it
is being excreted (Figure 2-43,
A to C).