Comparative study of pneumocystography, positive contrast cystography and double contrast cystography in dogs

Abstract

In order to compare three radiographic techniques: pneumocystography, positive contrast cystography and double contrast cystography, three series of 24 radiographs each in lateral and ventrodorsal projections were made. Six healthy adult male dogs with weight ranging between 7 and 16 kg were used. Food was withheld for 24 hours and two enemas were made before the series of radiographs were taken. Dogs were anaesthetized with sodium thiopental (20 mg/kg i.v.). The contrast medium was introduced through a urethral catheter. 
Pneumocystography was performed in the first series introducing air (10 ml/kg) in the bladder. Positive contrast cystography was performed in the second series introducing Hypaque M-60% diluted, contributing 100 mg of iodine per ml (10 ml/kg). In the double contrast cystography Hypaque M-60% diluted (10 ml) was introduced, in concentration of 150 mg of iodine per ml. Then air was introduced (10 ml/kg) through a catheter. Plates were taken in both projections at 1 and 10 minutes for each technique. 
The radiographic plates of each series were analized comparing the characteristics of radiographic density, outline and size. 
In neumocystography, positive contrast and double contrast cystography, the radiographic density was predominantly low, high and intermediate, respectively. The radiographic outline was mainly regular for the three techniques. With respect to bladder size, there was a decrease of height and an increase of length and width at 10 minutes. 
Comparing these three radiographic techniques, it can be concluded that the one that best outlines the bladder mucosa is double contrast. Pneumocystography provides the best image for opaque structures and cystography best shows the position of the urinary bladder.