Case Study

Urethral mass, suggestive for prostatic carcinoma, in a 11 year old MN Labrador Retriever

An 11-year-old MN Labrador Retriever was presented with a history of increased panting, decreased activity, diarrhea, and increased urination. Physical examination found the dog bright, alert and responsive, with an irregular cardiac rhythm, clear lungs, severely restricted range of motion of both elbows, and a normal abdomen on palpation. On rectal examination of the prostate a soft caudal margin was felt, but the entire prostate was not palpable. The only abnormality on urinalysis was 2+ proteinuria; urine culture yielded no growth. The patient was treated with Baytril and Deramaxx.

Sonographic Differential Diagnosis

Mass in the prostatic urethra. Images are highly suggestive of prostatic carcinoma with local metastatic disease. Urethral-derived transitional cell carcinoma is also possible. Benign dystrophic mineralization is technically possible but unlikely given the clinical signs and sonographic presentation.

Image Interpretation

In the area of the prostatic urethra, a 4 x 3 cm mineralizing mass was noted with an aggressive, mineralizing iliac lymphadenopathy and sublumbar lymphadenopathy that measured 2.8 cm with pericapsular inflammation. A minor amount of free fluid and peritonitis was noted in the pelvis as well as inguinal lymph node enlargement.

DX

Strongly suggestive for prostatic carcinoma or similar neoplasia.

Outcome

The patient was referred for chemoembolization guided by fluoroscopy and possibly urethral stenting, and continuation of Deramaxx was recommended.

Clinical Differential Diagnosis

Enlarged prostate – neoplasia, abscessation, chronic prostatitis, benign hyperplasia, neoplasia. Arrhythmia – cardiomyopathy, sepsis, electrolyte imbalances, acid-base imbalance. Elbow arthrosis.