Emphysematous cystitis: Retrospective evaluation of predisposing factors and ultrasound features in 36 dogs and 2 cats.

Abstract

This retrospective study investigated predisposing factors and ultrasound features in dogs (= 36) and cats (= 2) with emphysematous cystitis (EC). Urinary tract infection was present in 25 patients (65.8%), impaired immune system in 10 (26.3%), bladder stones in 9 (23.7%) and neurologic bladder in 7 (18.4%). Diabetes mellitus was present in only 4 patients (10.5%). Most patients had positive urine culture (= 35; 92.1%), with elevated concentration ofin 25 patients (71.4%). The most common ultrasound features were diffuse thickening of the urinary bladder (= 15; 39.5%), polyps (= 9; 23.7%), and focal thickening (= 4; 10.5%). In 13 patients (34.2%) the bladder wall was not assessable, due to excessive bladder gas. Bladder gas was mostly identified in the lumen (= 18; 47.4%), followed by the bladder wall (= 11; 28.9%), and wall and lumen (= 9; 23.7%).