Using contrast computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of some canine male genitalia disorders

Abstract

The ultrasound examination is a powerful tool in diagnosing canine male genital disorders, but presents some shortcomings in the exact localization of some intraabdominal masses and their vascularization. Some disorders, such as abdominal sertolinomas, atrophic testicle, persistent Müllerian ducts (PMDS) or testicle cord torsions, can be difficult to diagnose and pinpoint if the obvious symptoms (for example feminization, alopecia and skin hyperpigmentation) are not present. The purpose of this study was to test the accuracy of contrast computed tomography (CT) techniques compared to the ultrasound exam (US), in diagnosing some male reproductive disorders. The study was conducted on 7 male canine patients, pure breed, with the age between 3 months and 7 years old. After the patients were presented at the clinic an ultrasound in B-Mode and Doppler was performed using a Mindray DC3 Vet equipment. The CT contrast agent was Visipaque (iodixanol, 320 mgI/mL, producer Nycomed Amersham) using automated injection after the patient was general anesthetized, the dose being automated adjusted by the device. The results are inconclusive; the retained testicle ca be easily observed but the uterine artery as well as the reminiscent uterine horns are too small to visualize. The disadvantage of the CT is besides the radiation; the patient needs to be under general anesthesia. In conclusion, in some cases, such as cryptordism, sertolinomas, lymphnode metastasis or intraabdminal masses, the CT is very efficient in pinpointing the exact location, but in other cases such as PMDS the contrast CT is not recommended, but the US is.