Case Study

Urethral mass in a 6 year old FS Labrador Retriever

A 6-year-old spayed female Labrador Retriever was presented for evaluation of hematuria and stranguria. Radiographs revealed subtle tissue irregularity in the pelvic inlet. Urinalysis showed low specific gravity (1.017) and pyuria, with culture revealing a mixed growth of E coli and Streptococcus. Blood work was unremarkable.

Sonographic Differential Diagnosis

These images show a urethral mass with iliac lymphadenopathy and regional inflammation. This is strongly suggestive for urethral transitional cell carcinoma, with iliac metastatic disease.

Image Interpretation

Urethra contained a mineralizing mass localized approximately 1 to 2 cm caudal from the cystourethral junction; this mass measured 1 cm in width and extended at least 3 cm in length. Dorsal bladder polyps were also noted measuring 1 x 0.5 and 0.5 x 0.5 cm. These were nonobstructive at this time. The remainder of the bladder was unremarkable. Iliac lymph nodes were enlarged, measuring approximately 1 x 0.5 cm, distortion of architecture and pericapsular inflammatory pattern. Kidneys were unremarkable.

DX

Urethral mass

Outcome

None

Comments

Ultrasound-guided laser ablation strongly recommended and may be performed at Ridgewood Veterinary Hospital at Ridgewood, NJ. Chest radiographs warranted prior to the procedure.

Clinical Differential Diagnosis

Bladder disease: chronic bacterial cystitis, uroliths, neoplasia, polyploid cystitis, granulomatous cystitis; Urethral disease: urethritis, granulomatous urethritis, neoplasia, urethrolith.