Imaging canine urocystoliths. Detection and prediction of mineral content.

The role of survey radiography, contrast radiography, and ultrasonography in the assessment of urocystolithiasis has been primarily one of detection. Information about the radiographic characteristics of uroliths (size, shape, radiopacity, surface characteristics, number detected) for characterization and diagnosis of urocystolithiasis is emerging; however, there are no studies on the accuracy or sensitivity of these techniques. In this article, the intent is to update knowledge about available imaging techniques used in the detection and characterization of urocystoliths based on recent studies designed to evaluate their accuracy in prediction of different urocystoliths mineral content.