Kidneys and Ureters Flashcards
(17 cards)
What imaging modality is most commonly used for kidney evaluation?
Ultrasound
It has largely replaced contrast procedures for the urinary tract.
What is the purpose of an excretory urogram?
To assess ureters
Ureters are not normally seen on ultrasound or radiographs.
In a lateral view of a dog, where is the right kidney located?
More cranial
Tips to remember: Right is under the ribs, Left is lower.
What is the typical kidney length range in cats?
3 - 4.3 cm long
This measurement is used for assessing kidney size.
What condition can renal mineralisation indicate?
Calculi in the renal pelvis
It is not clinically significant unless it obstructs the ureter.
What is the common imaging finding in chronic renal insufficiency?
Both kidneys are small
This condition is very common in cats.
What does renal dysplasia refer to?
Congenital malformation of the kidneys
It is diagnosed easily on ultrasound.
True or False: Degenerative changes on ultrasound are useful in assessing renal insufficiency.
False
Their significance is assessed by lab work.
What is a key imaging feature of renal lymphoma in cats?
Bilaterally renomegaly
Changes are diffuse with mostly normal kidney anatomy.
What is the primary differential diagnosis for renal lymphoma in cats?
Feline infectious peritonitis
Renal lymphoma is much less common compared to cats.
What is polycystic kidney disease characterized by?
Large kidney with irregular margins
Common in long-haired cats and bull terriers.
What can kidney masses and nodules indicate?
Always bad disease
Differential diagnoses include neoplasia and fungal granulomas.
Fill in the blank: Acute renal failure often presents with _______ on imaging.
Normal kidneys
However, they may become smaller on follow-up studies.
What is the significance of ‘Big Kidney - Little Kidney’ in cats?
Asymmetric kidney size
It is often caused by chronic pyelonephritis or ureter obstruction.
What imaging modality is best for detecting hydronephrosis?
Ultrasound
It can detect dilation of the renal pelvis.
What is hydronephrosis caused by?
Obstruction downstream from the kidney
Usually due to calculus in the ureter.
What are the imaging options for hydronephrosis with an obstructed ureter?
Ultrasound, Contrast study, Radiography
Excretory urogram can be performed if ultrasound is not available.
