Urinary tract trauma

Trauma to the urinary tract can involve the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra and associated urogenital organs such as the prostate. Urologic complications of trauma can be minimized by prompt recognition of urologic damage, sound initial treatment and stabilization, and an accurate and thorough evaluation of the entire urinary tract. The clinical signs of urinary tract trauma may range from vague signs such as depressed mentation or vomiting to life-threatening cardiovascular issues. Plain radiographic films can be helpful in diagnosing urinary tract trauma or in raising the index of suspicion for such trauma, highlighting the need for further imaging. Injuries to the kidneys may include lacerations of the capsule; contusions, fissures, or lacerations to the renal parenchyma; and trauma to the vascular pedicle. Ureteral damage in small animal patients is uncommon, accounting for 0.01% of diagnoses of hospitalized patients, but is often related to external trauma.