During pregnancy
Horseshoe kidney can be found on a routine pregnancy ultrasound scan.
After birth
Your child will have a urine test and blood test to check how well their kidneys are working.
They may also have one or more scans. These might include:
A small handheld device is moved around your child’s skin and uses sound waves to create an image on a screen to look at the kidneys and urinary system.
DMSA scan (Dimercaptosuccinic Acid)
This is a type of radionucleotide scan. This means that a substance that gives out a type of radiation called gamma rays is injected into the blood stream. This substance is taken up by the kidneys and a special camera takes some pictures. This allows us to see how well the kidneys are functioning.
A chemical called MAG3 that gives out a small amount of radiation (energy) is injected into one of your child’s blood vessels – a special gel or cream can be used to stop your child feeling any pain. A special camera takes images of your child’s urinary system as the chemical passes through it.
MCUG (micturating cysourethrogram)
This is usually for babies and children who are suspected of having vesicoureteric reflux (urine travelling back up the tubes from the bladder to the kidneys). A special X-ray machine takes a series of images of the bladder while your child is passing urine.
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