Comparison of radiography and ultrasonography in the evaluation of renal lesions in the dog.

Survey abdominal radiographs, excretory urograms, and nephrosonograms were obtained from 14 dogs with renal lesions. Renal enlargement was suspected on survey radiographs and confirmed by excretory urography in 13 dogs. Radiographic differentiation between a solid and cystic renal lesion was not possible in 9 dogs. Ultrasonography determined the presence of solid masses in 12 dogs, established the presence of a renal cyst in the opposite kidney in 1 dog, and revealed hydronephrosis in 2 dogs. Ultrasonography appeared to be more sensitive than radiography in differentiating the internal characteristics of renal lesions.