Urinary Tract Disorders in Dogs & Cats
Frequent urination, blood in the urine, straining, urinary accidents, and abnormal kidney values on bloodwork can all signal disease in the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. Ultrasound is the primary imaging modality for evaluating the urinary tract because it shows the internal structure of these organs in real time.
At Sage Veterinary Imaging (SVI), our board-certified radiologists use high-resolution ultrasound to evaluate kidney architecture, detect ureteral obstructions, identify bladder masses and stones, and assess urinary tract anatomy — providing your veterinarian with the information needed to guide treatment.
SVI offers advanced ultrasound services at our centers in Round Rock, Texas; Spring, Texas; and Sandy, Utah.
Common Urinary Tract Problems We Diagnose
Urinary tract conditions range from readily treatable infections to life-threatening obstructions and malignancies. Ultrasound provides critical information about the cause, location, and severity of urinary tract disease.
Kidney Disease & Renal Masses
Ultrasound reveals the internal architecture of the kidneys, identifying chronic changes (small irregular kidneys, loss of corticomedullary distinction), cysts, stones (nephroliths), and masses. In cats, renal lymphoma is a common finding that ultrasound can detect and guide biopsy. For dogs and cats with elevated kidney values, ultrasound helps determine whether disease is acute vs. chronic and identifies treatable causes like obstruction or infection.
Learn more about kidney disease →Ureteral Obstruction & Stones
Ureteral obstruction — most commonly caused by calcium oxalate stones in cats — is a urological emergency. Ultrasound identifies hydronephrosis (dilated renal pelvis), hydroureter (dilated ureter), and in many cases the obstructing stone itself. The degree of pelvic dilation helps assess severity and urgency. Serial ultrasound monitors response to medical management and assesses kidney recovery after surgical decompression (SUB device or ureteral stent placement).
Learn more about ureteral obstruction →Bladder Stones, Masses & Cystitis
Ultrasound is highly sensitive for detecting bladder stones (uroliths), measuring bladder wall thickness, and identifying masses. Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) — the most common bladder tumor in dogs — typically appears as an irregular mass arising from the trigone region. Ultrasound helps distinguish TCC from polypoid cystitis and blood clots, assesses whether the tumor involves the ureteral openings, and guides treatment decisions including chemotherapy response monitoring.
Learn more about bladder conditions →Prostatic Disease
Prostatic disease is common in intact and neutered male dogs. Ultrasound evaluates prostate size, symmetry, echogenicity, and the presence of cysts, abscesses, or masses. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in intact dogs has characteristic ultrasound features, while prostatic carcinoma shows irregular margins and mineralization. Ultrasound-guided aspiration or biopsy can differentiate between these conditions when the imaging findings are equivocal.
Learn more about prostate conditions →Ectopic Ureters & Congenital Anomalies
Ectopic ureters — where one or both ureters bypass the bladder and connect abnormally — are a common cause of urinary incontinence in young dogs, particularly female Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Siberian Huskies. Ultrasound can identify ureteral dilation and abnormal insertion, though CT urography is often recommended for definitive surgical planning. Our radiologists will recommend the optimal imaging approach based on your pet’s presentation.
Learn more about ectopic ureters →Breeds Commonly Affected
Urinary tract conditions affect all breeds, but certain predispositions exist. Cats (especially domestic shorthairs) are highly susceptible to calcium oxalate ureteral stones. Persian cats are predisposed to polycystic kidney disease. Dalmatians and English Bulldogs form urate bladder stones. Scottish Terriers and Shetland Sheepdogs have elevated risk of transitional cell carcinoma. Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Siberian Huskies are predisposed to ectopic ureters.
How Ultrasound Helps
Ultrasound provides real-time, radiation-free evaluation of the entire urinary tract. High-frequency transducers allow detailed assessment of kidney architecture, ureteral dilation, bladder wall integrity, and prostatic structure. Doppler imaging evaluates renal blood flow and can detect ischemia or vascular compromise.
Our board-certified radiologists interpret every study and provide detailed reports that include measurements, comparisons to prior studies when available, and clinical recommendations. For cases requiring surgical planning, we coordinate closely with your veterinarian and surgeon.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Urinary tract ultrasound typically takes 20–40 minutes. Most pets tolerate the exam comfortably with gentle restraint. We recommend withholding food for 8–12 hours before the exam to reduce intestinal gas that can obscure the kidneys and ureters. A full bladder is ideal for bladder evaluation.
Results are interpreted the same day, and your veterinarian receives a comprehensive report. For urgent cases like suspected ureteral obstruction, preliminary findings can be communicated immediately to facilitate rapid treatment decisions.
Learn more about veterinary ultrasound at Sage →Why Choose Sage Veterinary Imaging
Get Answers for Your Pet
If your pet has blood in the urine, urinary incontinence, abnormal kidney values, or suspected urinary obstruction, ultrasound can identify the cause and help your veterinarian plan effective treatment.
Schedule a Urinary Tract Ultrasound
Visit one of our three locations to learn more and schedule your pet’s urinary tract imaging study.
Urinary Tract Imaging FAQ
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Ready to Get Answers?
Advanced urinary tract ultrasound can identify the cause of your pet’s symptoms and guide effective treatment. Visit one of our locations to get started.