Comparative Evaluation of Ultrasonographic and Radiographic in Diagnosis of Urolithiasis in Referred Dogs to Veterinary Hospital of Ahvaz

Using ultrasonography and radiography techniques, is more practical compared with other methods to the diagnosis of Urolithiasis in dogs. The purpose of the present survey was comparison evaluation between ultrasonography and radiography in the detection of Urolithiasis in healthy dogs and the population with symptoms, among the referred cases to the Veterinary Hospital in Ahvaz. The prevalence of Urolithiasis was also determined and the effects of age, gender, breed, season, living environment and diet was studied.  

This study was conducted during 4 years. Selection of the dogs was taken in two seasons (cold and warm), and among the animals’ population with and without clinical symptoms (urolithiasis). The diagnosis process of urolithiasis in radiology department, was that initially two x-rays were taken from abdominal cavity of the dogs, then ultrasonography was performed simultaneously.

The obtained results showed that the prevalence of Urolithiasis were 5.88, 5.55, 4.25 and 2.91 percent, during 4 years (from 2011 to 2015), respectively. The most prevalence of Urolithiasis was determined in dogs with clinical symptoms, in males and the age more than three years (P=0.001); but for the two used techniques (ultrasonography and radiography), there were no significant differences regarding gender, breed, living environment, and season factors. (P>0.05).   

The present survey showed that the prevalence of Urolithiasis was slightly higher in Ahvaz district (average for 4 years = 4.65%), compared with other regions of the world (3%). This difference may be due to different weather conditions, diet and living environment.