Imaging of the Small Animal Female Reproductive System

Abstract
The normal non-gravid uterus and ovaries of dogs and cats are either not seen or are poorly visualized with radiography. These organs are more clearly seen when enlarged because of pregnancy or disease. Ultrasonography allows pregnancy diagnosis at an earlier gestational age and allows better characterization of diseased organs. This imaging modality can serve as a diagnostic tool for conditions such as pyometra, endometritis, dystocia, failure of involution, ovarian cysts, and uterine or ovarian neoplasms.

Normal reproductive tract
The normal non-gravid uterus is generally not distinguishable from the small intestine on radiographs of dogs. The ovaries are also not normally seen radiographically. In cats, the bladder is located more cranially than in dogs allowing the uterus to be occasionally visible. In a study of 50 intact cats examined with digital radiography, the uterus could be identified as a longitudinal fluid-opaque structure between the bladder/urethra located ventrally and the colon located dorsally in 14 cats. The uterus was best seen when compression was applied to the caudal abdomen with a wooden spoon. Iodinated contrast can be placed in the vagina using a Foley catheter to check for fistulae or tears but in most cases, ultrasonography has more value for imaging the female reproductive tract.  […]