X-rays vs Ultrasound for UTI Stones

raintyger

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I was wondering--

Some stones don't show up on x-ray, only on ultrasound. So does that mean you can forgo an x-ray if you have an ultrasound if you suspect a stone?

My kitty has no current issues with stones, I was just asking out of curiosity.
 

violet

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It's always wise to start with an X-ray and then go from there. Signs, symptoms wary. Symptoms can serve as a guide but not all symptoms are caused by stones or crystals. Food intolerance has a tremendous role in causing urinary problems including pain, bloody urine, etc.

Sometimes stones don't cause any noticeable problems and then suddenly there is a complete blockage that is fatal in 24 hours.

.

To prevent stones and crystals the best thing is to feed a species appropriate diet that doesn't contain ingredients that alter the urine pH cats need to stay healthy and limit fish-based foods because they can cause inflammation producing the most scary symptoms of a very serious urinary problem.
 

violet

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PS

Good diagnosis related info here

http://www.crossroadsvet.com/Bladder Stones.htm

Most bladder stones are visible on radiographs (x-rays) or an ultrasound examination. These procedures are performed if stones are suspected. This includes cats that show unusual pain when the bladder is palpated, cats that have recurrent hematuria and dysuria, or cats that have recurrent bacterial infections in the bladder.

Some bladder stones are not visible on radiographs. They are said to be radiolucent. This means that their mineral composition is such that they do not reflect the x-ray beam. These stones may be found with an ultrasound examination or with special radiographs that are made after placing a special dye (contrast material) in the bladder.
And......since I'm back anyway, this sentence in my earlier post should read signs, symptoms vary.
 
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