Calf excretory urogram

Excretory Urography Can Track Down Morphological Changes in the Urinary Bladder Associated with Urachal Anomalies in Calves for Early Diagnosis

Kazutaka Yamada, Itsuki Morita, Kei Kazama, Naoyuki Aihara, Kaoru Hori, Taro Kondo, Kazuhiro Kawai, Ken Onda.

Background
The urachus is a fetal structure connecting the urinary bladder to the umbilicus, which typically regresses after birth. Incomplete closure of the urachus can result in urachal anomalies, leading to conditions such as omphalitis, pyourachus, and urinary bladder dysfunction. These anomalies can contribute to dysuria, urinary tract infections, and, in severe cases, systemic infections. This study aimed to evaluate the use of excretory urography in diagnosing urachal anomalies in calves and its role in detecting early morphological changes in the urinary bladder.

Methods
A total of 13 calves were included in this study. Six were nondysuric but had umbilical swelling, while seven were dysuric with no visible umbilical abnormalities. Excretory urography was performed with intravenous contrast administration, and serial radiographs were taken to evaluate urinary bladder morphology. Aspect ratios (length-to-height ratios) of the urinary bladder were calculated and compared between groups. Some dysuric calves underwent surgical correction, and pre- and post-surgical aspect ratios were analyzed.

Results
Bladder Morphology: Urography successfully delineated the urinary bladder in all calves. Nondysuric calves had significantly lower aspect ratios (1.08–2.43, mean 1.90) compared to dysuric calves (1.34–11.89, mean 4.75, P < 0.05).

Adhesions and Urachal Abnormalities: Excretory urography detected urachal diverticula and bladder wall adhesions in dysuric calves, findings that were not visible on plain radiographs or ultrasound.

Surgical Outcomes: Four dysuric calves underwent surgery. Postoperative aspect ratios improved significantly (mean 5.73 to 2.17, P = 0.10), and clinical signs of dysuria resolved.
Case Highlights: One nondysuric calf with a shortened mandible exhibited a urachal diverticulum, suggesting a possible congenital link. Another dysuric calf had severe bladder retraction due to adhesions, which were successfully corrected surgically.

Limitations
The sample size was small, and further studies are needed to validate findings across larger populations. The study did not assess long-term outcomes of surgically corrected calves. Additionally, while excretory urography proved effective, its applicability in field settings may be limited by equipment availability.

Conclusions
Excretory urography is a valuable diagnostic tool for detecting urachal anomalies and associated urinary bladder deformities in calves, particularly in cases of dysuria. Early identification of these anomalies can improve surgical outcomes and prevent complications such as bladder rupture and urinary tract infections. The study supports the inclusion of urachal anomalies in the differential diagnosis of dysuric calves and advocates for proactive urographic screening in suspected cases.

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