ABSTRACT
Diversion of urine and administration of IV fluids is often sufficient to improve hydration and decrease azotemia to decrease anesthetic risk. Once the patient is hydrated and stabilized, imaging studies and surgery (169) are planned. ii. Plain radiographs should be performed prior to contrast radiography. Radiographs may reveal decreased serosal detail because of fluid accumulation in the abdomen and small urinary bladder. The location of urinary tract rupture must be identified using contrast radiography prior to surgery. Positive contrast cystourethrogram should reveal the presence of lower urinary tract rupture. This study will be chosen if the fluid is peritoneal rather than retroperitoneal. Small bladder ruptures may be difficult to detect and may require serial radiographs be performed. If the urethra and bladder are normal on positive contrast cystourethrogram, an IV urogram is performed to assess the ureters and kidneys. The IV urogram should only be performed in a hydrated pet.
