Emphysematous cystitis: Retrospective evaluation of predisposing factors and ultrasound features in 36 dogs and 2 cats.

Abstract

This retrospective study investigated predisposing factors and ultrasound features in dogs (<i>n</i> = 36) and cats (<i>n</i> = 2) with emphysematous cystitis (EC). Urinary tract infection was present in 25 patients (65.8%), impaired immune system in 10 (26.3%), bladder stones in 9 (23.7%) and neurologic bladder in 7 (18.4%). Diabetes mellitus was present in only 4 patients (10.5%). Most patients had positive urine culture (<i>n</i> = 35; 92.1%), with elevated concentration of <i>Escherichia coli</i> in 25 patients (71.4%). The most common ultrasound features were diffuse thickening of the urinary bladder (<i>n</i> = 15; 39.5%), polyps (<i>n</i> = 9; 23.7%), and focal thickening (<i>n</i> = 4; 10.5%). In 13 patients (34.2%) the bladder wall was not assessable, due to excessive bladder gas. Bladder gas was mostly identified in the lumen (<i>n</i> = 18; 47.4%), followed by the bladder wall (<i>n</i> = 11; 28.9%), and wall and lumen (<i>n</i> = 9; 23.7%).