Inguinal-Scrotal Urinary Bladder Hernia in an Intact Male Domestic Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

An 8-year-old intact male dwarf rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) was presented with a 2-month history of unilateral scrotal swelling. The external physical examination of the rabbit patient confirmed the severe, unilateral, fluid-filled scrotal distention. Radiographic images of the effected scrotum revealed a soft tissue swelling in the area of the left testicle, and the absence of the urinary bladder in the caudal abdomen. Ultrasonography verified the presence of a fluid-filled mass in the scrotum, enveloping the left testicle. A fine-needle aspiration of the scrotal mass yielded urine, thus a diagnosis of a nonreducible herniation of the urinary bladder into the scrotum was made. An inguinal herniorrhaphy was performed, and the bladder was successfully reduced into the abdominal cavity. A bilateral routine castration and left scrotal ablation were also performed. Two months after surgery no recurrence was noted, and the patient had normal urinary function. Inguino-scrotal bladder herniation is rare in both humans and animals. Male rabbits are predisposed to inguinal and scrotal hernias because their inguinal rings remain open throughout life. Herniation of the urinary bladder should be considered as a differential diagnosis when intact male rabbits are presented with unilateral scrotal swelling.     

SCROTAL VESICLE SEMINAL HERNIA IN AN INTACT MALE DOMESTIC GUINEA PIG

A 9-month-old intact male guinea pig was presented with a 2-week history of progressive swelling involving the right scrotal sac. Physical examination revealed a soft mass involving the caudal aspect of the right scrotal sac. Subsequent radiographic evaluation of the affected area confirmed a soft tissue subcutaneous swelling. Ultrasonography revealed a hyperechogenic homogenous structure with normal hemodynamic pattern within the right scrotum, and an enlarged right inguinal ring measuring 8 to 9 mm. Exploratory laparotomy confirmed a right seminal vesicle herniation into the scrotum. The vesicle was reduced into the abdominal cavity, after which an abdominal castration and inguinal herniorrhaphy were performed. Five months postsurgery the patient was doing well without recurrence of herniation.     

Six cases of inguinal urinary bladder herniation in entire male domestic rabbits

Six entire male rabbits, between four and eight years old, were presented with a fluctuant scrotal and/or inguinal swelling resulting from inguinal herniation of the urinary bladder. Concurrent problems included urinary sediment (two rabbits), multiple uroliths (one rabbit) and testicular tumour (one rabbit). All rabbits underwent herniorrhaphy surgery. There was a successful outcome in four of the six cases.     

DIAGNOSIS AND SURGICAL TREATMENT OF A TRANSITIONAL CELL CARCINOMA IN THE BLADDER APEX OF A PET RABBIT (ORYCTOLAGUS CUNICULUS)

A 6-year-old, 1.9-kg female spayed lop-eared European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) was evaluated for acute hematuria and inappropriate urination and defecation of less than 12-hours duration. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a suspected bladder mass. Ultrasound-guided cystocentesis was performed and the results of the urinalysis were unremarkable. An abdominal exploratory surgery revealed a nodular cystic mass at the cranial ventral apex of the bladder wall which measured 0.5 cm × 0.5 cm. Based on histopathologic evaluation, excision of the neoplasm was complete and the mass was diagnosed as transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. This case suggests that urinary bladder transitional cell carcinoma should be considered in pet rabbits presenting with similar clinical signs.     

Polypropylene mesh repair of a unilateral,congenital hernia in the inguinal region in a Thoroughbred filly

A 2-day-old Thoroughbred intact female was presented for a large subcutaneous swelling in the right inguinal region. Surgical repair was performed using a double layer polypropylene mesh. To the authors’ knowledge, there have been no previous reports of surgical repair of congenital body wall hernias with polypropylene mesh in foals.     

Traumatic urethral avulsion at the preputial fornix in a cat

A cat with pelvic fractures from being hit by a car had voided no urine in 13 hours despite iv administration of fluids. Abdominal radiography had revealed the pelvic fractures and apparently intact urinary bladder. Urine did not flow from a urethral catheter, and contrast radiography revealed the catheter to be extra-urethral within the penis. Intravenous pyelography revealed intact ureters and urinary bladder; celiotomy confirmed intact urinary bladder. Cystotomy and normograde urethral catheterization allowed localization of the ruptured urethra within the deep subcutaneous tissues of the caudal portion of the abdomen. After closure of the cystotomy and celiotomy incisions, perineal urethrostomy was performed.     

Metastatic anaplastic adenocarcinoma suspected to be of mammary origin in an intact male rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

A 7-year-old, intact male, pet dwarf rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) was presented for a ventral abdominal subcutaneous mass. Histolopathology of the resected mass was suggestive of a mammary adenocarcinoma. Six months later, the rabbit died from severe dyspnea. Necropsy showed recurrence of the original mass with hepatic and pulmonary metastasis of the anaplastic adenocarcinoma, suspected to be of mammary origin.     

Pyometra with inguinal herniation of the left uterine horn and omentum in a Beagle dog

Objective: To describe a unique case of pyometra with inguinal herniation of the left uterine horn and omentum. Case summary: A 7‐year‐old, 19 kg, intact female Beagle dog presented for surgical treatment of presumptive pyometra and biopsy of a caudal abdominal mass in the left inguinal mammary gland region. Ventral midline celiotomy was performed, and a distended, fluid‐filled uterus with passage of the distal aspect of the left uterine horn through the left vaginal process into the inguinal canal was identified. The patient recovered uneventfully following ovariohysterectomy and left inguinal herniorrhaphy. New or unique information provided: This is the first documented report of inguinal herniation of a uterine horn associated with a pyometra.     

Presumptive subcutaneous surgical transplantation of a urinary bladder transitional cell carcinoma in a dog

A urinary bladder mass in a 12-year-old spayed female West Highland White Terrier was diagnosed after exploratory surgery and biopsy as a transitional cell carcinoma. Four months later the dog presented with an ulcerated plaque-like cutaneous lesion at the previous surgical incision site; concurrent inguinal lymphadenopathy and recurrence of the urinary bladder mass were identified. Transitional cell carcinoma was diagnosed at all 3 sites. Although a definitive relationship cannot be established between the initial surgery for urinary bladder mass and the resultant subcutaneous lesion, surgical implantation should be considered as a source for the neoplastic cells.     

Laparoscopic Cystotomy for Removal of a Large Bladder Polyp in a Juvenile Alpaca with Polypoid Cystitis

Objective: To describe a method for laparoscopic cystotomy in an alpaca. Study Design: Case report. Animals: Female alpaca. Methods: An 8‐month‐old female alpaca was admitted with a 6‐week history of straining to urinate and vulvar swelling. Transrectal ultrasound examination revealed a 1.5 × 1.5 × 2 cm polyp within the bladder. Results: The mass was excised using laparoscopic cystotomy. Leakage from the cystotomy site resolved over 12 days using a Foley catheter. The alpaca was healthy and urinating normally at 9 months after surgery. Conclusion: Minimally invasive surgery by laparoscopic cystotomy can be used to remove large urinary polyps in alpacas. Clinical Relevance: Urinary bladder polyps should be considered as differential diagnosis in alpacas with stranguria.     

Effects of urinary bladder distention on location of the urinary bladder and urethra of healthy dogs and cats

Evaluation of the anatomic location of the distended and empty urinary bladders and urethras of healthy adult male and female dogs and cats by retrograde urethrocystography revealed substantial variations. In 15 dogs in lateral recumbency with empty bladder lumens, the caudal portion of the urinary bladder was within the pelvic canal in 5 of 7 male and 5 of 8 female dogs. In female dogs examined in ventrodorsal recumbency, only 4 of 8 had the empty urinary bladders in part within the pelvic canal. After luminal distention, 3 of 7 male and 3 of 8 female dogs, while in lateral recumbency, had the urinary bladders in part intrapelvically. However, when female dogs were placed in ventrodorsal recumbency, only 1 of 7 urinary bladders was in part within the pelvis. The urinary bladders of 14 cats were consistently within the abdominal cavity, irrespective of whether the bladder lumen was distended or empty. Urethral flexures occurred in dogs with intrapelvic bladders that were distended or empty. Urethral flexures were not found in cats. The urethras of dogs and cats in lateral recumbency were generally closer to the floor of the pelvis after urinary bladder distention than when the bladder was empty. The urethra of the dogs and cats in ventrodorsal recumbency was to the left or right of or on the midsagittal plane, whether the urinary bladder was empty or distended. A greater degree of lateral displacement was encountered in ventrodorsal recumbency after urinary bladder distention.     

Modified parainguinal approach for cystic calculus removal in five equids

This report describes a modification of the parainguinal approach for removal of cystic calculi: a ventral midline laparotomy‐guided parainguinal laparocystotomy. The ventral midline approach to the abdomen is rapid and routinely used by equine surgeons. With an arm introduced to the abdomen via the ventral midline, the surgeon is able to select the ideal parainguinal laparotomy incision location that allows bladder exteriorisation with the minimum amount of tension. Because the surgeon's hand is introduced via the ventral midline incision, the parainguinal incision can be sized to just allow exteriorisation of the urinary bladder and urolith, increasing extra‐abdominal bladder security during cystotomy while reducing incision size in the parainguinal region. Finally, an assistant's hand via the ventral midline incision can maintain bladder stability within the parainguinal incision during cystotomy closure.     

Inguinal rupture with herniation of the urinary bladder through the scrotal fascia in a Shetland pony foal

Herniation of the urinary bladder in the inguinal region has not previously been described in the horse. A case of inguinal rupture with herniation of the bladder through the scrotal fascia in a 3‐month‐old Shetland pony, diagnosed by external palpation, urinary catheterisation and external ultrasonographic examination is reported. Surgical management of the case was by dissection of the scrotal fascia, partial cystectomy and unilateral castration. During the period of hospitalisation the only complication was a slight seroma, which resolved spontaneously. Follow‐up after 6 months did not reveal any abnormality.     

Subcutaneous Liposarcoma in a Ferret (Mustela putorius furo)

A 6-year-old spayed female ferret (Mustela putorius furo) exhibiting clinical signs of weakness, anorexia, lethargy, weight loss, and frequent urination was presented for a veterinary evaluation to determine the underlying cause of the aforementioned abnormal behavior and clinical condition. Physical examination revealed a large, firm, painless, movable subcutaneous mass at the base of the tail. Radiographic and ultrasound images confirmed the presence of a soft tissue mass compressing the sacrococcygeal vertebrae, but there was no evidence of metastatic lesions. Because of the poor prognosis and progressive deterioration of the animal's clinical condition, the ferret was humanely euthanized. Gross necropsy revealed a 4 × 4 × 3.5 cm, firm, yellow-tan, ovoid, subcutaneous mass wrapped around the rectum and the anus. The mass did not appear to breach the serosa. Evaluation of the abdominal cavity revealed a pale yellow liver, possibly associated with hepatic lipidosis with no gross evidence of metastasis in the body cavity. The histopathological features of the mass were consistent with a liposarcoma. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first case of subcutaneous liposarcoma reported in a ferret.     

Herniation of the urinary bladder through a congenitally enlarged inguinal canal in a cat

A two-year-old, castrated male Main Coon cat was referred because of chronic, recurrent pollakiuria, haematuria, and acute vomiting. On clinical examination, a smooth, soft-tissue mass, suspected to be the urinary bladder, was palpable outside of the abdominal wall in the inguinal area. On radiographs, the urinary bladder was found to be extra-abdominal, and herniated through an enlarged right inguinal canal at exploratory coeliotomy.The left inguinal canal was also enlarged. The urinary bladder was repositioned and fixed to the caudal abdominal wall by incisional cystopexy and both enlarged inguinal canals were partially closed with an interrupted suture pattern.     

Congenital inguinal hernias associated with a rent in the common vaginal tunic in five foals

Five foals were admitted because of colic that developed within 24 hours after birth. Physical examination revealed swelling from the inguinal region to the cranial aspect of the prepuce. Through the skin overlying the swelling, distended loops of bowel could be palpated. The hernias could be reduced with the foals restrained in dorsal recumbency. Surgical exploration showed the swelling to be an inguinal hernia with small bowel herniation through a rent in the common vaginal tunic. Concurrent rupture of the vaginal tunic should be suspected when a congenital inguinal hernia is associated with colic, swelling that extends to the prepuce, or intestine that is easily palpated within the hernial swelling. Repeated manual reduction in these cases would be of little benefit and surgical intervention would be recommended.     

Urethral and bladder rupture in a neonatal colt with uroperitoneum

This case report documents uroperitoneum due to bladder and pelvic urethral rupture in a 9 h old Standardbred colt born after severe dystocia. Three surgical procedures were required to manage rupture of the urinary bladder, urethral rupture, and ventral abdominal hernia with evisceration of a loop of jejunum. After 40 days of hospitalisation the colt was discharged without any further complication.     

CYSTIC ENDOMETRIAL HYPERPLASIA AND BACTERIAL ENDOMETRITIS ASSOCIATED WITH AN INTRAUTERINE FOREIGN BODY IN A GUINEA PIG WITH OVARIAN CYSTIC DISEASE

A 3-year-old, 920 g intact female guinea pig presented with a 4-month history of nonpruritic hair loss on the ventral abdomen. The physical examination revealed flank and ventral abdominal alopecia, mucoid vulvar discharge, and abdominal distension. Bilateral rounded masses just caudal to the kidneys and structures consistent with enlarged uterine horns were detected on abdominal palpation. Abdominal ultrasound revealed bilateral ovarian cysts, thickened uterine horns, and multiple circular hypoechoic and anechoic structures in the uterine wall. The patient underwent ovariohysterectomy. Gross examination of the uterus revealed a piece of hay in the left uterine horn. A final diagnosis was hormonally active ovarian follicular cysts, cystic endometrial hyperplasia, and purulent bacterial endometritis caused by Escherichia coli, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Arthrobacter spp. Cystic endometrial hyperplasia is infrequently reported in guinea pigs, and this report describes an associated bacterial endometritis and uterine foreign body with concurrent ovarian cysts.