Ultrasonographic Imaging for Structural Characterization of Renal Affections and Diagnosis of Associated Chronic Renal Failure in 10 Dogs

Vijay Kumar,Adarsh Kumar,A C Varshney

doi:10.5402/2011/901713

Abstract

The present study comprises of 10 dogs of either sex with primary indication of azotaemia. All the dogs were subjected to detailed clinical, haematobiochemical, urinalysis, and microbiological examination along with radiographical and ultrasonographical examination. Based on the ultrasonographic structural abnormalities, the different renal affections associated with CRF in majority of dogs were diagnosed. The different affections included “end-stage” kidneys (n = 4), hydronephrosis (n = 1), renomegaly (n = 1), nephritis (n = 1), nephrolithiasis (n = 1), nephrocalcinosis (n = 1), and renal cyst (n = 1). The significant ultrasonographic features in these affections included small kidneys with loss of corticomedullary demarcation (“end-stage” kidneys); increased cortical echogenicity (nephritis); dilation of the renal pelvis, separation of the central renal sinus with anechoic space, atrophy of renal medulla, (hydronephrosis); enlarged kidneys with increased overall echogenicity of renal cortex (renomegaly and associated nephritis); hyperechoic-mineralized structure with shadowing (nephrolithiasis); diffuse, small, multiple hyperechoic structures in the renal parenchyma with distal acoustic shadowing (nephrocalcinosis); small spherical intercortical anechoic structures fluid (renal cysts). In the present study, ultrasound proved to be a quick, convenient, and sensitive modality in detecting alterations in renal size and parenchymal architecture. All the dogs so diagnosed with CRF were rendered conservative medical treatment to control clinical signs of uraemia; maintain adequate fluid, electrolyte, and acid/base balance; provide adequate nutrition; minimize progression of renal failure.

Highlights

Chronic renal failure is a syndrome characterized by inability of the kidneys to perform adequately, owing to the progressive loss of function over a period of months to years
A diagnosis of CRF is usually based on a combination of compatible history, physical examination, laboratory data, and imaging studies, which play a crucial role in differentiating acute from chronic renal failure
Based on the ultrasonographic structural characterization, the affections of kidney leading to chronic renal failure (CRF) in majority of dogs were diagnosed in 10 clinical cases

Summary

Introduction

Chronic renal failure is a syndrome characterized by inability of the kidneys to perform adequately, owing to the progressive loss of function over a period of months to years. Neither the “magnitude of azotaemia” alone can be used to determine whether the azotaemia is prerenal, renal, or postrenal nor it can be used to determine whether the disease process is acute or chronic, reversible or irreversible, and progressive or nonprogressive. Ultrasonography, on the other hand is a noninvasive and quite useful for detection and characterization of renal parenchymal details It is the technique of choice for reliable diagnosis of fluid-filled cystic lesions, renal mass lesions, hydronephrosis, and anatomic localization of uroliths (radiopaque and radiolucent). It is a very precise way of evaluating the degree of obstruction. Because renal lesions that cause CRF are irreversible and usually progressive, so no specific therapy is curative

Materials and Methods

Results

Discussion