Emphysematous cystitis in a dog
This was an interesting image to come across when scanning the abdomen of a vomiting 11 y.o. male Labrador.
sagittal (longitudinal) plane view from the ventral abdominal midline of the bladder area.
There is obviously a fluid-filled bladder. In this case, it also contains numerous echogenic particles creating a ‘snowstorm’ effect. However, the normal curved bladder profile is transected by a linear demarcation such that the dorsal part of the bladder wall is not visible.
Other than an iatrogenic pneumocystogram, the only possible explanation for this is an emphysematous cystitis caused by gas-producing bacteria. And so it proved – with profuse growth of E coli. Only on further questioning did the owners recall his ‘bubbly urination’.
Most, but obviously not all, cases are seen in diabetics.
