FastTrack Complete Report: Straining – GI vs. Urogenital

Table of Contents

1. Purpose & Use - Case type

2. X-RAY Signals to Be Assessed

A. Urogenital Tract

B. Gastrointestinal Tract

C. Additional Findings (High Value) including the thorax, abdomen and musculoskeletal regions

1. Purpose & Use Cases

This FastTrack Complete Report is designed to assist in determining whether straining is primarily associated with the gastrointestinal tract (e.g., colon, rectum) or the urogenital tract (e.g., bladder, urethra, prostate, uterus). By evaluating key radiographic indicators within these systems, the report supports accurate localization of disease, differentiation of underlying causes, and informed treatment planning.

In addition to assessing the GI and urogenital tracts, the report also screens for clinically significant findings in other regions, including the thorax and abdomen, that while not directly related to the presenting complaint may have important implications for diagnostic interpretation, clinical management, and overall patient outcome.

Scenarios when to use this FastTrack Complete Report:

• Unclear Cause of Straining:
  • When a patient exhibits straining but the underlying cause is uncertain, whether gastrointestinal (e.g., constipation), urinary (e.g., urethral or bladder obstruction), or reproductive (e.g., prostatic or uterine enlargement), the report helps localize the source of dysfunction and guide appropriate intervention.
• Urinary Tract Signs:
  • In patients showing stranguria, hematuria, dysuria, or painful/abnormal urination, the report assists in identifying radiographic indicators of urinary obstruction, bladder distension, or urolithiasis.
• Reproductive Tract Evaluation:
  • When prostatic enlargement, uterine distension, or dystocia is suspected, the report aids in assessing the uterus, prostate, and associated structures for radiographic evidence of abnormality.
• Gastrointestinal or Neurologic Differentiation:
  • For patients presenting with frequent posturing, tenesmus, or abnormal defecation, the report supports differentiation between gastrointestinal causes (e.g., constipation, colonic impaction) and neurologic dysfunction that may contribute to similar signs.
• Determining Urgency of Intervention:
  • When it is unclear whether the patient’s condition can be managed medically or requires urgent surgical intervention, the report provides critical radiographic insight to support timely and informed clinical decision-making.

Clinical Signs Checklist (when submitting):

This clinical signs checklist is designed to summarize key clinical signs associated with the presenting complaint. It serves as a quick reference tool for both observed and reported findings, supporting the accurate interpretation of radiographic results within the appropriate clinical context.

The checklist typically includes the following categories:

• Straining to urinate - prolonged, frequent, or effortful attempts to urinate, often producing little to no urine.
• Straining to defecate - repeated or prolonged attempts to pass stool, often with minimal or no fecal output.
• Abnormal urination - changes in urination frequency, volume, posture, or effort
  • Painful urination - vocalization, discomfort, or prolonged effort during urination
  • Reduced urine output - decreased or absent urine production
  • Unable to pass urine - inability to void urine despite repeated attempts.
  • Uncomfortable urination - visible discomfort, restlessness, or abnormal posturing during urination
• Dystocia suspected or confirmed - difficulty delivering pups or kittens, particularly when the patient is beyond the expected gestation period.
• History of constipation - pattern of infrequent, difficult, or incomplete defecation over a period of time.

2. X-RAY Signals to Be Assessed

The FastTrack Complete Report focuses on identifying radiographic findings most relevant to the patient’s presenting clinical signs, supporting timely and informed clinical decision-making. Key anatomical regions and radiographic indicators are systematically evaluated to detect abnormalities that may require immediate intervention or further diagnostic investigation.

A. Urogenital Tract

1. Urinary Bladder Calculi
2. Urinary Bladder Distension
3. Urethral Calculi
4. Ureteral Stones
5. Small Kidney
6. Renomegaly
7. Kidney Mineralization
8. Uterine Distension
9. Prostate Visible
10. Prostatic Mineralization

B. Gastrointestinal Tract

10. Fecal Impaction
11. Colonic Distension
12. Colonic Foreign Body
13. Chronic Fecal Material

C. Additional Findings (Critical Radiographic Findings) based on submitted views.

Thorax

13. Thoracic Mass
14. Left Atrial Enlargement
15. General Cardiomegaly
16. Esophageal Foreign Body
17. Diaphragmatic Hernia

Abdomen

18. Peritoneal Mass Effect
19. Limited Abdominal Detail
20. Peritoneal gas
21. Mid Abdominal Mass
22. Gastric Foreign Body
23. Abdominal Hernia

Musculoskeletal

24. Rib Fracture
25. Vertebral Fracture
26. Appendicular Fracture
27. Skull Fracture
28. Pelvic Fracture
29. Lytic and/or Blastic Bone Lesions