Computed tomographic findings of the urinary tract in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

There are few studies describing characteristics of the urinary tract in rabbits using multidetector computed tomography (CT). The aim of this study was to describe the CT appearance and main features of the urinary tract in healthy pet rabbits. 23 healthy rabbits underwent plain and contrast-enhanced CT scan under general anesthesia. Normal renal length was 3.27-3.43 cm. The ureters were identified in the pre-contrast phase, but better delineated in post-contrast phases. Some focal filling defects were observed in the middle and caudal third of the ureters in more than 50% of the animals on post-contrast exams. There was interobserver disagreement regarding the measurements of renal pelvis, ureters, and the exact position of the kidneys in relation to the lumbar vertebrae. This study provides a detailed anatomic description of the urinary tract in rabbits from CT imaging and reference values for further investigations.