Ruptured Urethra
Copyright Veterinaryradiology.net
Publication Date: 2008-02-13
History
3 year old MN Domestic Shorthair with suspected trauma. Came home lame on left hind limb. Anorexic and anuric for 3 days.
2 images
Findings
ABDOMEN A lateral survey radiograph of the abdomen demonstrates a urinary catheter placed within the urinary bladder. There is soft tissue mottling of the subcutaneous tissues and swelling of the left hind limb as well as the ventral abdomen. There is soft tissue opacity in the retroperitoneal space; however, the peritoneal detail is normal.
URETHROGRAM 10 mls of iodinated contrast medium was administered into the urinary bladder through the catheter. There is leakage of contrast from the pelvic urethra into the subcutaneous tissues of the hind limb and the retroperitoneal space and perineum.
Discussion
The bladder is contained in the retroperitoneal space, so tears in the urethra allow urine extravasation into the retroperitoneal and perineal tissues. Hind limb swelling and cutaneous bruising from the irritating urine are characteristic presenting signs. In this case, a urinary catheter had been placed, so contrast was injected into the bladder instead of the urethra. Contrast was still able to flow retrograde around the small catheter to demonstrate the rupture.