Ultrasonographic study of the urinary bladder in Bovine Enzootic Haematuria

The urinary bladder from six cows with previous diagnosis of Bovine Enzootic Hematuria (HEB Spanish abbreviation) and two control cows (healthy) were studied ultrasonically via trans-rectum. The images were obtained by using a lineal trans-ductor at a frequency of 5.0 and 7.5 MHz in mode B. On HEB cows pathologically compatible echo-graphic images were observed and they were classified in two types. Type 1, peduncle or papilla like lesions that arise from the vesicular wall occupying the lumen of the bladder; type 2 erosive type lesions with loss of the mucous continuity on the vesicular wall surrounded by hypo and anechoic zones. Type 1 lesions were classified according to the size measured at the base level in three different ranks. The most commonly encountered lesions were type 2 which were present in 100% of the HEB cows, and type 1 rank 11 in 27%. The evidence suggests that the same sick animal may show different types and ranks of lesions which were not found in the control cows. The Ultrasonographic findings were considered compatible with anatomic-pathological lesions encountered in HEB cows at post mortem examination. The study demonstrates the usefulness of Ultra-sonographic evaluation, specially in the early diagnosis and prognosis of the disease.