Case Study

Prostatic carcinoma in a 12 year old MN Schnauzer with an apical bladder mass and urethral/prostatic mass

A 12-year-old NM Schnauzer was presented for evaluation of stranguria and dribbling. Urinalysis showed normal SG (1.046) proteinuria, glycosuria, and leukouria. Abnormalities on CBC and serum biochemistry were thrombocytosis (638) and elevated ALT (127) and ALP (865).

DX

prostatic carcinoma

Sonographic Differential Diagnosis

Urethral, prostatic and bladder mass; likely prostatic carcinoma with extension into the urethra and bladder.
Concurrent inflammatory hepatopathy with emerging mucocele.
Minor degenerative renal changes.
Concurrent UTI likely present.

Image Interpretation

Urinary bladder and urethra presented expansive mineralizing mass with a cauliflower type projection into the cystourethral junction and bladder. This involves the pelvic urethra to at least 4 cm caudal from the cystourethral junction. The mass itself measured approximately 5 x 3 cm. Expansion and infiltration into the prostate was noted. This is either prostatic carcinoma or transitional cell carcinoma given the pattern. The urethral and prostatic mass appeared to be moderately vascular. A separate apical bladder mass was also noted measuring approximately 2.5 cm, also meets criteria for carcinoma. However the more important lesion is in the urethra and prostate.

Heterogenous parenchymal changes were noted, yet not a primary issue. Minor increased portal markings were noted. The gallbladder was overdistended with suspended debris consistent with emerging mucocele formation

Outcome

No overt evidence of metastatic disease noted. Traumatic catheterization is recommended for confirmation. Urethral stent placement could be considered as a palliative measure along with chemotherapy.

Clinical Differential Diagnosis

Bladder – neoplasia, urolith, bacterial cystitis, polyploid cystitis
Prostate – neoplasia, abscess
Urethra – neoplasia, lith
Metabolic – diabetes mellitus, Cushing’s disease
Gall bladder – cholecystitis, mucocele