Transabdominal Ultrasonographic Examination of 26 Sheep with Suspected Urinary Tract Disease (2010-2012)

Transabdominal ultrasonography was undertaken in veterinary practice to examine 26 sheep reported by the farmer, to present with clinical signs consistent with obstructive urolithiasis. There was no evidence of calculi within the vermiform appendix, nor was the bladder imaged in 12 of these 26 sheep. Uroperitoneum was diagnosed in two of three growing male lambs, and resulted from urine leakage across the bladder wall not rupture. Gross hydronephrosis was identified ultrasonographically by the increased renal pelvis and thinner cortex, in six of eight adult male sheep with confirmed urethral obstruction. These six rams with gross hydronephrosis were euthanased for welfare reasons; two rams without signs of gross hydronephrosis made a full recovery after amputation of the vermiform appendage, which contained palpable calculi. Transabdominal ultrasonographic examination of the bladder and right kidney takes no more than 5 minutes, with the results immediately available which assist treatment decisions.