Situations where an ultrasound machine might be used are numerous. Imaging can be made of the entire urinary tract to diagnose bladder and kidney stones, defects in the bladder wall and ureters, and prostate disease. The machine may have Doppler capabilities that measure blood flow to the liver and kidneys. Ultrasound is used to diagnose tumors and abscesses of the liver, spleen, and pancreas. A procedure called an echocardiogram employs an ultrasound to measure the heart chambers and valves, assessing cardiomyopathy or heart disease. A specialist usually performs advanced ultrasound techniques.

Unlike an X-ray that takes a still image of the body, the ultrasound gives real-time visualization of the organs. Blood flow through arteries and urine production from the kidneys can be seen as it occurs. X-rays produce radiation that carries certain risks with long term exposure. Ultrasound is not associated with the ionizing effects of radiation.

An ultrasound is a powerful tool available to veterinarians that can assist in diagnosing diseases, abscesses, and cancers that would go undetected without exploratory surgery. It is a wonderful advancement in medical technology that allows non-invasive assessment of the internal workings of the body.

The veterinarian will confirm prostatitis by rectal palpation of the gland to feel for enlargement, asymmetry, obvious masses, or fluctuant areas (soft spots). Lab work should include a complete blood count, chemistry panel, and urinalysis. These tests are used to categorize the prostate disease and rule out other systemic illness. An x-ray or ultrasound of the urinary tract will help to visualize the degree of enlargement or masses associated with the gland. Urine sediment analysis may reveal increased numbers of red and white blood cells which are not found in healthy urine. Bacteria may be seen which would warrant a culture and susceptibility test. This would be indicative of primary or secondary bacterial prostatitis.

The most common type of prostate disease in dogs and man is benign prostate hyperplasia. This simply means non-cancerous enlargement. It is associated with changes in the male sex hormone levels as the dog ages. Neutering can reduce the chance of BPH significantly. Studies indicate that neutering at less than one year can all but eliminate BPH in male dogs. The treatment for BPH is in fact, neutering. This type of prostatitis is almost always chronic and recurrent if the dog remains intact. Secondary bacterial infection is common with BPH because the normal antibacterial secretions from the prostate are diminished and red blood cells provide food for the organisms.

Acute or chronic bacterial prostatitis occurs in both intact and neutered male dogs. Usually the bacteria has ascended the urethra from the outside world. Broad spectrum urinary tract specific antibiotics are prescribed while the results of a culture and susceptibility test is pending. Bladder stones and other urinary tract disease may be associated with bacterial prostatitis.

Prostatic neoplasia is the rarest of the prostate diseases comprising about 5% of all cases. Neoplasia means new growth and refers to cancer. In humans, there is an antibody specific to prostate cancer that can be measured in the blood. Unfortunately, there is no reliable blood test for dogs at this time. The prognosis for prostate cancer in dogs is poor. The cancer is aggressive and has likely metastisized to other organs by the time of diagnosis. A needle biopsy and histopathology report can help to diagnose prostatic neoplasia. Poor response to other treatments and progression of disease usually verifies cancer as the diagnosis.

Bacterial Cystitis
Cystitis means inflammation of the bladder. The most common cause in dogs is bacterial infection. Bacteria from the skin surface enter the urethral opening and migrate inwards, where they attach to the bladder lining.

Diagnosis of cystitis starts with a careful medical history and a physical exam. Urinalysis is used to detect bacteria and inflammatory cells. A urine culture further identifies the types of bacteria present and the antibiotics most effective to treat the infection.

Infections of the bladder are treated with antibiotics. Its very important to follow medication instructions and give the antibiotics for the full duration prescribed, even if your dog seems to feel better sooner. Incomplete treatment can result in relapses and the formation of resistant bacteria.

Urinary Stones
Urinary stones (uroliths) occur in approximately 1% of dogs. Uroliths are composed of crystallized minerals, such as struvite, oxalate, urate, cystine, or calcium phosphate. Certain breeds are more prone to urolithiasis, including Dalmatians, Dachshunds, Basset Hounds, English Bulldogs, Yorkshire Terriers, Irish Terriers, Lhasa Apsos, Miniature Poodles, Schnauzers, Shih Tzus and Chihuahuas. Stones can be found anywhere in the urinary tract. In the bladder they cause irritation, increasing the likelihood of cystitis or bacterial infections. In the urethra they can cause partial or complete obstruction. When this happens, urine flow is reduced. With complete obstruction, urine is trapped in the body. The kidneys are unable to continue cleansing the blood and death can result within a few days.

Dogs suffering from uroliths have signs similar to cystitis. If the stones interfere with urination the dog may also dribble urine, strain to urinate, vomit, stop eating, and have a painful abdomen. Diagnosis of urolithiasis is based on a physical exam and urinalysis. X-rays, ultrasound and blood tests may also be beneficial. For proper treatment, the veterinarian must identify the mineral content of the stones, either by finding crystals on the urinalysis or by collecting stones via urinary catheterization or surgery.

Some stones can be dissolved with special diets or flushed out of the bladder through a urinary catheter, but others require surgical removal. Following stone removal, dogs are treated to prevent recurrence. Stones typically form in concentrated urine at a pH specific to each type. Therefore, diet changes are aimed at increasing water intake, reducing mineral content of the urine, and producing urine with a pH incompatible with the type of stone involved.

Other Diseases
Other conditions that can cause urinary problems include tumors of the urinary tract and prostate ailments. Tumors of the bladder and urethra are uncommon in dogs. They can cause blood in the urine and urethral obstruction. Surgery and chemotherapy are beneficial, but the prognosis is uncertain because the tumors have a high rate of malignancy.

Prostate disease is quite common in older, un-neutered male dogs. Although the prostate is really part of the reproductive system, prostate disease can result in urinary symptoms. The prostate can become inflamed or infected, can grow abnormally large, or can become cancerous. All of these conditions increase the size of the prostate, leading to bloody urine, frequent urinary tract infections, difficulty defecating, and pain. Most types of prostatic disease are treatable.