Diagnosis of Enzootic Bovine Hematuria: Comparative performance of endoscopy and ultrasound in naturally occurring cases.

Ultrasound (US) and cystoscopy techniques assist in the diagnosis of diseases; however, in ruminant clinics, these methods are underutilized. Both have advantages and disadvantages that must be evaluated regarding the diagnosis of Enzootic Bovine Hematuria (EBH), a disease associated with the chronic consumption of Pteridium spp. due to the presence of ptaquiloside and dienone, compounds capable of reacting with nitrogenous bases when in aqueous solution, generating hematopoietic and carcinogenic effects on the bladder mucosa. This study compares these techniques for diagnosing EBH, assessing their efficacy, timeliness, and sensitivity in identifying the disease. The study involved 14 dairy cows from Rio Preto, Minas Gerais state, divided into three groups: G1/CH - Clinical Hematuria, comprising 35.71 % of the animals; G2/SCH - Subclinical Hematuria with 42.86 %; and G3/HA - Healthy Animals with 21.42 %. In the US, G1/CH showed greater thickening of the bladder wall, irregularities, and loss of urothelium stratification, being the most affected group. Lesions were observed in 6 animals from G1/CH and G2/SCH, mostly single and located in the caudo-dorsal and caudo-ventral regions. Cystoscopy, on the other hand, identified lesions in 10 animals across all three groups, mostly erosive and protruding, predominantly in the ventral region. It also identified changes in mucosal coloration, dilated vessels, and hemorrhagic foci. Cystoscopy demonstrated greater sensitivity than ultrasound; however, US allows for the evaluation of lesion thickness and location, complementing structural assessment. Techniques for detecting blood in urine and imaging techniques proved effective for early detection of the disease, regardless of severity and degree of hematuria, particularly when used in combination.