What are urodynamics and when are they indicated for evaluating lower urinary tract disorders?
The diagnosis of USMI can most often be made based on signalment, history and lack of any other cause of UI found on physical examination. However, urodynamics can be a useful test for animals that present with micturition disorders and these procedures are becoming more standardized in veterinary medicine. We use the Urovision Janus V system by Life Tech® to perform these minimally invasive diagnostics. A urethral pressure profile (UPP) is the diagnostic gold standard for USMI and is also helpful for evaluating urethral tone in dogs with ectopic ureters. To do this procedure, a small catheter is placed in the bladder while the dog (or cat) is awake or lightly sedated. The catheter is removed at a constant rate while warm sterile water is infused. The pressure generated in the urethra is captured by pressure transducers connected to the catheter. The entire procedure takes no more than 15-30 minutes. A cystometrogram (CMG) may also be indicated to see if the bladder is contracting appr
