Clinical Utility of Magnetic Resonance Urethrography in Assessment of Canine Urethra

Background

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been widely used in human medicine for evaluating lower urinary tract diseases; however, its application in veterinary medicine remains limited.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To compare MRI with computed tomography (CT) in visualizing urethral and bladder wall layers and to assess the feasibility and diagnostic utility of MRI for evaluating lower urinary tract anatomy and pathology in dogs. It was hypothesized that the T2-weighted (T2W) sequence would provide the most distinct visualization of urethral layers, while the contrast-enhanced T1-weighted (post-T1W) sequence would best delineate bladder wall layers.

Animals

Five healthy dogs and six dogs with suspected uroepithelial tumors.

Methods

Magnetic resonance imaging sequences (T2W, pre-T1W, and post-T1W) and contrast-enhanced CT (post-CT) were performed. Images were evaluated for urethral and bladder wall layer distinction, urethral conspicuity, image quality, and characteristics of lower urinary tract tumors.

Results

T2W sequence clearly delineated urethral wall layers and differentiated the urethral mucosal layer from the lumen using urine as a natural contrast. Post-T1W sequence enhanced bladder wall layer visualization, improving anatomical boundary conspicuity and aiding in tumor invasion detection. In contrast, post-CT allowed rapid imaging with minimal motion artifacts but provided limited soft-tissue detail.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated superior efficacy in evaluating anatomic structures and lesions of the lower urinary tract, particularly in assessing tissue invasion. Combining T2W and post-T1W sequences optimized diagnostic accuracy, making MRI a valuable tool for assessing lower urinary tract pathology in dogs.