Intravenous urographic study of urinary system in canine using non-ionic and ionic contrast agent

The present study was conducted to compare the imaging quality of non-ionic (iohexol) and ionic (sodium and meglumine diatrizoate) contrast agents for intravenous urography in dogs. Twelve clinically healthy adult dogs were randomly divided into two groups I and II, consisting six dogs of either sex in each. Two relevant radiographic exposures i.e. ventro-dorsal and right lateral views were obtained in survey following intravenous urography to evaluate the effectiveness of imaging quality using both non-ionic and ionic contrast agents @ 1100 mg I/kg body weight respectively under general anaesthesia. The radiographic examination of the contrast agent in both groups was assessed immediately after their administration and then at 5, 15, 30 minutes interval by taking ventro-dorsal/lateral radiograph of abdomen. The obtained urograms were evaluated on the basis of nephrogram, pyelogram and cystogram phases. Nephrogram phase showed good visualization (2+) in animals group I as compared to group II which was slightly visualized (1+). The nephrogram phase persisted for a period of 15 minutes in ventro-dorsal radiograph in group I whereas; it was clearly visible upto 5 minute duration in group II. The pyelogram phase was visible upto 5 to 15 minutes time interval in both the groups. Cystogram phase showed good visualization between 15 to 30 minute interval in both the groups. It was concluded that intravenous urography using non-ionic low osmolar iohexol at dose rate of 1100 mg I/kg produced better image quality as compared to ionic high osmolar sodium and meglumine diatrizoate following administration of same dose rate.