Renal disease
In addition to routine blood and urine testing, ultrasound is a key diagnostic aid in the evaluation of the kidney. We are also able to evaluate Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR). Ultrasound-guided Tru-cut biopsies (light and electron microscopy and immunofluorescence) provide valuable microstructural information. Being able to evaluate acid-base status and a variety of metabolites in the urine is important in cases with renal tubular disease. Measuring urine output, central venous and systemic blood pressure allows us to aggressively manage acute renal failure.
Urinary disease
Ultrasound, cystoscopy (endoscopy of the urethra and bladder), radiography (x-rays) and CT are invaluable for assessing the urinary tract and enable sampling from the bladder, urethra and prostate. Evaluation of the position of the ureteric papilla can be performed by ultrasound identification of urine jets. CT intravenous urography allows better assessment of the course of the ureters than conventional radiography. Cystoscopy is a valuable diagnostic tool for evaluating the urethra, ureteric openings and bladder, allowing directed biopsies as well as sampling of uroliths. We are also able to offer collagen injections in the management of incontinence. We can cystoscope the bladder and urethra of all female dogs and cats and male dogs over 8-10kg.
We liaise closely with the soft tissue service as many of the conditions (urethrostomy, nephrectomy, ectopic ureters, bladder stones and masses) will require surgery.