Diagnostic Imaging of the Avian Urinary Tract

Abstract

Due to the special anatomy and physiology of the avian urinary system, the value of diagnostic imaging techniques differs from the use in mammals. The diagnostic imaging methods regularly used in practice to evaluate the avian kidneys are often limited to traditional radiography and ultrasonography, whereas other imaging modalities (urography, scintigraphy, computed tomography, MRI) are rarely used. Furthermore endoscopy may be performed and taking a renal biopsy may be considered. The article describes common indications for imaging techniques used to diagnose urinary tract disease as well as its anatomic and pathologic demonstration.

Keywords: Biopsy; Imaging techniques; Kidneys; Radiography; Ultrasonography; Ureters; Urinary tract; Urography.