Evaluation of microsatellite instability in urine for the diagnosis of transitional cell carcinoma of the lower urinary tract in dogs

Background: The accumulation of frame‐shift mutations in microsatellites (MS), termed microsatellite instability (MSI), is associated with certain tumors. MSI and its detection in urine samples has been used to aid in the detection of human bladder cancer. Hypothesis: Evaluation of MSI in urine is a useful assay test for diagnosis of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) in dogs and is more specific than the commercially available, veterinary bladder tumor analyte (V‐BTA) test. Animals: Seventy‐three dogs: healthy controls (n= 21), proteinuric (n= 12), lower urinary tract disease excluding TCC (n= 17), and TCC (n= 23). Methods: Prospective observational study. Urine samples collected from each animal were evaluated for MSI and using the V‐BTA. For MSI detection, 22 MS sequences were polymerase chain reaction amplified from urine and blood, subjected to capillary electrophoresis, and the MS genotypes were compared. Aberration in ≥15% of MS was considered indicative of MSI. Results: MSI was detected in 11 of 23 (48%) urine samples from dogs with TCC. MSI was also detected in 12 of 50 (24%) of the control animals, including 29, 16, and 24% of healthy, proteinuric, and lower urinary disease dogs, respectively. In this population, sensitivity and specificity of MSI analysis was 48 and 76%, respectively, compared with 83 and 64%, respectively, for the V‐BTA test. Conclusions: MS analysis as performed in this study is not useful in the diagnosis of TCC.     

Effects of urinary tract inflammation and sample blood contamination on urine albumin and total protein concentrations in canine urine samples

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract inflammation and hemorrhage are believed to be common causes of proteinuria in dogs based on results of studies that measured total urine protein concentration. A method to quantify urine albumin (UAlb) concentration in dogs recently has become available; however, the effect of inflammation on albuminuria is unknown. OBJECTIVES: The goals of this study were to determine the effects of urinary tract inflammation, as indicated by pyuria and sample blood contamination, on UAlb concentration and on urine protein:creatinine (UPC) ratio in dogs. METHODS: Urine samples were obtained from dogs with pyuria that were presented to a veterinary teaching hospital or were part of a laboratory colony. To mimic the effects of hematuria, canine whole blood was added to a microscopically normal canine urine sample that had baseline albumin and total protein concentrations below the limits of detection. UAlb concentration was measured using a canine albumin-specific competitive ELISA. UPC ratio was determined using routine methods. RESULTS: Of 70 samples with pyuria, 67% had negligible UAlb concentrations and 81% had normal UPC ratios. UAlb concentration but not UPC ratio was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in samples with concurrent hematuria or bacteriuria. When whole blood was added to normal urine, UAlb concentration did not exceed 1 mg/dL until the sample became visibly pink; the UPC did not exceed 0.4 at any dilution. CONCLUSIONS: Many dogs with pyuria do not have albuminuria or proteinuria; however, albuminuria may be more likely in dogs with pyuria and concurrent hematuria or bacteriuria. Hematuria may not cause an increase in UAlb concentration until it becomes macroscopic and even then may not increase the UPC ratio.     

Evaluation of a method using Proteus mirabilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa to experimentally induce dual infection of the urinary bladder in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a method using Proteus mirabilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa to experimentally induce dual infection of the urinary bladder in dogs. ANIMALS: 6 healthy mixed-breed dogs. PROCEDURE: Dogs were anesthetized, and cystitis was induced by infusing a solution of salicylic acid in ethanol into the bladder, followed by an inoculum containing field isolates of P. mirabilis and P. aeruginosa. Dogs were examined daily for 21 days after induction of cystitis. On day 21, dogs were euthanatized, and urinary bladder, renal pelvis, and prostate specimens were submitted for bacterial culture. RESULTS: After induction of cystitis, all dogs had evidence of thickening of the bladder wall, dysuria, tenesmus, and hematuria. Urinalysis revealed proteinuria, hematuria, and pyuria. All urine samples obtained on day 21 yielded growth of P. mirabilis, but P. aeruginosa was not cultured from any of these samples. Proteus mirabilis was isolated from bladder, renal pelvis, or prostate specimens from 4 dogs; P. aeruginosa was not isolated from any of the tissue specimens. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that the method used in the present study fails to induce dual infection of the urinary bladder with P. mirabilis and P. aeruginosa. The inability to establish a persistent dual infection with this method may have been a result of insufficient pathogenicity of the Pseudomonas isolate or an inadequacy of the experimental design.     

Evaluation of a bladder tumor antigen test as a screening test for transitional cell carcinoma of the lower urinary tract in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the veterinary version of the bladder tumor antigen (V-BTA) test as a screening test for transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the lower urinary tract of dogs. ANIMALS: 229 client-owned dogs. PROCEDURE: Urine samples from dogs were shipped overnight to a single laboratory to facilitate testing within 48 hours of collection by use of the V-BTA rapid latex agglutination urine dipstick test. Groups of dogs included the following: 1) dogs with TCC of the lower urinary tract, 2) healthy control dogs, 3) unhealthy control dogs with non-TCC urinary tract disease, and 4) unhealthy control dogs without urinary tract disease. Test sensitivity and specificity were calculated by use of standard methods. Logistic models were developed to assess the effect of disease status, test conditions, urine composition, and signalment on the performance of the V-BTA test. RESULTS: A total of 229 urine samples were analyzed, including 48 from dogs with suspected (n = 3) or confirmed (45) TCC. Test sensitivities were 88, 87, and 85% for all dogs with (suspected and confirmed) TCC, dogs with confirmed TCC at any site, and dogs with confirmed TCC of the urinary bladder, respectively. Test specificities were 84, 41, and 86% for healthy control dogs, unhealthy control dogs with non-TCC urinary tract disease, and unhealthy control dogs without urinary tract disease, respectively. The test performed slightly better on centrifuged urine samples than on uncentrifuged urine samples. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our results indicate that the V-BTA test is useful in screening for urinary tract TCC in dogs.     

Evaluation of a bladder tumor antigen test for the diagnosis of lower urinary tract malignancies in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of a human bladder tumor antigen test for diagnosis of lower urinary tract malignancies in dogs. SAMPLE POPULATION: Urine samples from dogs without urinary tract abnormalities (n = 18) and from dogs with lower urinary tract neoplasia (20) or nonmalignant urinary tract disease (16). PROCEDURE: Test results were compared among groups and among 3 observers. The effects of urine pH and specific gravity, degree of hematuria, and storage temperature and time of urine samples on test results were also assessed. RESULTS: Test sensitivity and specificity were 90 and 94.4%, respectively, for differentiating dogs with lower urinary tract neoplasia from dogs without abnormalities. However, specificity decreased to 35% for differentiating dogs with neoplasia from dogs with nonmalignant urinary tract disease. In dogs with neoplasia, results were significantly affected by degree of hematuria. However, addition of blood to urine from dogs without hematuria had no significant effect on test results. Although intraobserver variation was significant, urine pH, specific gravity, or storage time or temperature had no significant effect on results. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although this bladder tumor antigen test was sensitive for differentiating dogs with malignancies of the lower urinary tract from dogs without urinary tract disease, it was not specific for differentiating dogs with neoplasia from dogs with other lower urinary tract abnormalities. It cannot, therefore, be recommended as a definitive diagnostic aid for the detection of lower urinary tract malignancies in dogs.     

Evaluation of the association between microalbuminuria and the urine albumin-creatinine ratio and systemic disease in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate semiquantitative and quantitative assays for microalbuminuria and determination of the urine albumin-creatinine (UAC) ratio in detection of systemic disease in dogs without overt proteinuria. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 408 dogs. PROCEDURES: Urine samples that had been obtained from dogs for which a complete medical record was available and in which results of a dipstick test for urine protein were negative were evaluated. Urine protein-creatinine ratios (cutoff values, 0.5 and 0.1), semiquantitative and quantitative microalbuminuria values (cutoff value, 1 mg/dL), and UAC ratios (cutoff values, 100 and 200 mg/g) were determined. Clinical diagnoses rendered within 3 months of enrollment in the study were recorded. Sensitivity and specificity were determined with disease status serving as the standard. Associations with clinical diagnosis, sex, age, BUN and serum creatinine concentrations, blood pressure, results of bacterial culture of urine, temperature, pyuria, hematuria, and bacteriuria were evaluated by use of logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: 48 dogs were healthy, and 360 had at least 1 disease. Significant associations were detected between age, presence of disease, presence of neoplastic disease, BUN and serum creatinine concentrations, and hematuria and results of 1 or both of the microalbuminuria assays. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Microalbuminuria was associated with underlying disease. The sensitivity and specificity of the semiquantitative microalbuminuria test for detection of systemic disease were superior to those of other tests. Microalbuminuria testing in conjunction with other screening procedures may increase diagnosis of subclinical disease, but a prospective study in which the predictive values of screening tests are evaluated, with and without microalbuminuria determination, is needed.     

ULTRASONOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF LIPIDURIA IN CLINICALLY NORMAL CATS

Echoes are frequently seen in the urinary bladder of cats during abdominal ultrasound. These have been attributed to hematuria, pyuria, crystalluria, and lipid. However, sonographic findings have not been previously correlated with urinalysis. We prospectively evaluated 40 clinically normal cats via ultrasound, serum chemistry, and urinalysis. Thin layer chromatography was performed on the urine to determine the amount (mg) of lipid subfractions including diacylglycerol, triglyceride, phospholipid, free fatty acid, cholesterol, and cholesterol ester. Ninety percent (36/40) of the cats in our population had sonographic echoes suspended in the urinary bladder, with most having a subjective score of mild echoes (n = 20). None of the sonographic echoes were gravity dependent or caused distal acoustic shadowing, reverberation, or twinkle artifact. Of the cats with sonographic echoes in the urine, 66% (24/36) had no significant findings on urinalysis other than the presence of lipid. The total amount of subjective sonographic echoes was not significantly related to the total amount of fat measured on thin layer chromatography or the number of lipid droplets seen on urinalysis. An increased amount of urine diacylglycerol was significantly associated with clumping of echoes (P = 0.02) and the amount of lipid droplets seen on urinalysis (P = 0.04). An association between increased amounts of urine diacylglycerol and the amount of echoes seen on ultrasound approached significance (P = 0.05). Findings from this study support previously published theories that sonographic echoes within the urinary bladder of clinically normal cats may be due to urine lipid.     

Bladder Eversion Caused by Chronic Cystitis in an Arabian Racehorse: A Case Report

Bladder eversion is a rare condition and may occur in mares as a result of excessive straining during pregnancy or in the postpartum period. In the present case, bladder eversion was caused by chronic cystitis in a nonpregnant mare. An Arabian racehorse (mare, 3 years old) was admitted to The Racehorse Hospital of the Turkish Jockey Club with a history of lumbar pain, excessive straining, and frequently assuming the urination position. Physical examination revealed the presence of tenesmus, stranguria, passing of small amounts of urine, and a visible mucosal structure at the ventral vulvar commissure during tenesmus. Laboratory findings revealed leucocytosis, increased urine pH, proteinuria, pyuria, and hematuria. Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus and Escherichia coli were isolated and identified in urine culture. Transrectal ultrasonography revealed thickening of the bladder wall and prolapse of the bladder corpus into the bladder. In the cystoscopic examination, performed following bladder reduction, severe hyperemia, erosion, and ulcers were determined in the bladder mucosa. Chronic cystitis was treated using antibiotics, based on urine culture test results, together with steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Twenty-four hours after the start of treatment, the severity of straining was observed to have decreased, ceasing completely on Day 4, and the bladder returned to its normal position.     

Frequency of urinary tract infection in dogs with inflammatory skin disorders treated with ciclosporin alone or in combination with glucocorticoid therapy: a retrospective study

Background – Few studies have investigated the frequency of urinary tract infection (UTI) in dogs receiving long‐term ciclosporin therapy. Hypothesis/Objectives – The goal of the study was to investigate the frequency of UTI in dogs receiving ciclosporin with or without glucocorticoids. A secondary goal was to determine whether bacteriuria, pyuria and urine specific gravity were good predictors of UTI, and if ciclosporin dose, concurrent ketoconazole therapy, sex or duration of therapy affected the frequency of UTI. Animals – Eighty‐seven dogs with various inflammatory skin disorders and 59 control dogs with inflammatory skin conditions that had not received glucocorticoids or ciclosporin for 6 months were enrolled. Methods – This study was retrospective. The first urine culture from dogs receiving ciclosporin was compared with control dogs using Fisher’s exact test. A logistic mixed model was used to test for association between a positive bacterial culture and duration of treatment, dose of ciclosporin, concurrent ketoconazole therapy and sex. The sensitivities and specificities for bacteriuria, pyuria and urine specific gravity were determined. Results – Twenty‐six of 87 (30%) ciclosporin‐treated dogs had at least one positive culture. Compared with 3% positive control samples, 15% were positive in treated dogs (P = 0.027). The sensitivity and specificity were, respectively, 64.1 and 98.1% for bacteriuria, 74.4 and 70.9% for pyuria, and 56.4 and 65.3% for urine specific gravity. All other analysed parameters were not significantly different. Conclusions and clinical importance – The results suggest that routine urine cultures and assessment of bacteriuria by cystocentesis should be part of the monitoring for dogs on long‐term ciclosporin with and without glucocorticoids.     

Clinical evaluation of a leukocyte esterase test-strip for detection of feline pyuria

Commercial macroscopic test-strips (dipsticks) that indirectly detect urine leukocytes by quantifying leukocyte esterase (LE) activity have been advocated as a simple, rapid, and inexpensive alternative to microscopic examination for detection of significant pyuria in urine specimens. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of a commercial LE test-strip for detection of feline pyuria. Two hundred and thirteen consecutive urine specimens were collected from 188 different feline patients and analyzed for LE activity with a LE test-strip (Multistix 2 Reagent Strips:Ames Division, Bayer Corp., Elkhart, IN). Results of the LE test-strip were compared with those of standard urine biochemical and microscopic sediment evaluations. Compared with urine sediment leukocyte counts, the LE test-strip had a sensitivity of 77%, a specificity of 34%, positive and negative predictive values of 14 and 91 % respectively, and an overall test efficiency of 39%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis did not reveal significant associations between pyuria (>5 WBC/hpf) and a positive LE test- strip reaction; however, hematuria, lipiduria, increasing age, and decreasing urine specific gravity were associated with a significantly increased risk for positive LE test-strip reactions. We conclude that the LE test-strip evaluated in this study is highly nonspecific for detection of significant pyuria in feline urine specimens and should not replace routine microscopic urine sediment examination in this species.     

Medical dissolution of feline struvite urocystoliths

The efficacy of a diet designed to facilitate dissolution of feline magnesium ammonium phosphate (struvite) uroliths was evaluated in 30 cases of urolithiasis, sterile struvite uroliths dissolved in a mean of 36 days after initiation of dietary treatment. In 5 cases of urolithiasis, struvite urocystoliths associated with urease-negative bacterial urinary tract infection dissolved in a mean of 23 days after initiation of dietary and antimicrobial treatment. In 3 cases of urolithiasis, struvite urocystoliths associated with urease-positive staphylococcal urinary tract infection dissolved in a mean of 79 days after initiation of dietary and antimicrobial treatment. Dissolution of uroliths in cats fed the treatment diet was associated with concomitant remission of dysuria, hematuria, and pyuria, and reduction in urine pH and struvite crystalluria. In one case, a urocystolith composed of 100% ammonium urate, and in another case, a urolith composed of 60% calcium phosphate, 20% calcium oxalate, and 20% magnesium ammonium phosphate did not dissolve.     

High Urine Concentrations of Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor in Dogs With Bladder Cancer

Because dogs with bladder cancer often have advanced disease at the time of diagnosis, the identification and use of a tumor marker that could facilitate earlier diagnosis is a valid approach to improve prognosis. The objective of this study was to determine if urine concentrations of the proan-giogenic peptide, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), are high in dogs with bladder cancer compared with normal dogs and dogs with urinary tract infection. We used a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test kit to quantitate bFGF in the urine of 17 normal dogs, 10 dogs with urinary tract infection, and 7 dogs with locally active transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder. In normal dogs, the median urine bFGF concentration was 2.23 ng/g creatinine (quartile range, 1.53 to 5.12 ng/g creatinine). The median urine bFGF concentration in dogs with urinary tract infection did not differ significantly from normal dogs. Dogs with bladder cancer had significantly higher urine bFGF concentrations than normal dogs ( P < .002) and dogs with infection ( P < .02). The median urine bFGF concentration in dogs with transitional cell carcinoma was 9.86 ng/g creatinine (quartile range, 7.40 to 21.63 ng/g creatinine). Six of 7 dogs with bladder cancer had urine bFGF concentrations that were up to 7.4 times the 90th percentile value for normal dogs. Only 1 of 10 dogs with infection had a urine bFGF concentration that exceeded the 90th percentile of normal. These data suggest that canine bladder cancers export bFGF, and that urine bFGF may be useful as a diagnostic tumor marker or noninvasive indicator of treatment response. J Vet Intern Med 1996;10:231–234. Copyright © 1996 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine .     

Canine transitional cell carcinoma

Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the urinary bladder, the most common malignancy of the urinary tract in dogs, is challenging to both diagnose and treat effectively. The prevalence of this disease may be increasing. The etiology of canine TCC is likely multifactorial. Epidemiological studies of TCC in the dog have revealed a number of risk factors, including breed and female gender, as well as environmental factors, such as insecticide exposure. This tumor is difficult to remove surgically and responds poorly to chemotherapy. The efficacy of radiotherapy and other treatment modalities needs further investigation. Cyclooxygenase-inhibiting drugs have some activity against TCC, and studies to further define these effects are ongoing. Use of the tumor/node/ metastasis (TNM) classification scheme for bladder cancer has allowed for the identification of prognostic factors. Urinary tract obstruction and metastatic disease remain challenges to treat. Work with canine TCC has demonstrated how closely this disease resembles human invasive urinary bladder cancer. Therefore, future research has the potential to benefit both dogs and humans with TCC.     

Detection of canine microalbuminuria using semiquantitative test strips designed for use with human urine

Background — Commercial testing for microalbuminuria in human urine is often performed with point-of-care semiquantitative test strips followed by quantitative testing when indicated. An ELISA that quantifies canine urine albumin concentration has been developed, but semiquantitative test strips for use in the dog are not available.
Objective — The purpose of this study was to prospectively determine the concordance of canine urine albumin concentrations measured by a commercial human test strip and by ELISA.
Methods — Urine samples were obtained from 67 dogs evaluated for a variety of clinical conditions. Dipstick urinalyses were performed on all samples; clinician discretion determined method of urine collection and performance of urine sediment examination and/or urine culture. Urine albumin concentration was determined using test strips (Clinitek Microalbumin, Bayer Corporation, Elkhart, Ind, USA), and results were compared with those obtained by ELISA.
Results — The Clinitek strips correctly determined albumin concentration in 42 of 67 (63%) urine samples tested. Concordance was lowest (48%) for dogs with microalbuminuria (10–300 μg/mL by ELISA). Clinitek strip sensitivity and specificity for correct identification of microalbuminuria were 48% and 75%, respectively. Concordance was lower in dogs with urinary tract infection or hematuria and in samples collected by catheterization. Sensitivity and specificity for correct identification of microalbuminuria after exclusion of dogs with urinary tract infection or hematuria were 59% and 83%, respectively.
Conclusion — These results suggest that the Clinitek strips lack sufficient concordance with results obtained by ELISA to be reliable screening tests for microalbuminuria in the dog. A reliable semiquantitative point-of-care test for canine urine albumin concentrations below those detected by standard urine dipsticks is still needed.     

Relationship of upper and lower urinary tract infection and bacterial invasion of uroepithelium to antibody-coated bacteria test results in female dogs

Urinary tract infection was demonstrated in 12 female dogs via bacteriologic culture of a specimen of bladder urine collected by antepubic cystocentesis. Escherichia coli was isolated in pure culture from the urine of 9 dogs. Urine specimens from 2 dogs contained E coli and alpha-streptococci and from 1 dog contained Streptococcus zymogenes in pure culture. In 6 dogs, urinary tract infection was limited to the urinary bladder, whereas 6 dogs had unilateral or bilateral culture-positive renal pelvic urine as well (specimens collected by percutaneous nephropyelostomy). An antibody-coated bacteria (ACB) test was conducted on a portion of the bladder urine specimen from each dog, and the urinary tissues from these 12 dogs and from 6 healthy, noninfected female dogs were examined at necropsy. Tissues were given a subjective score based on the severity of the lesions seen microscopically. Histologic scores, bacterial cultural results, and ACB test results were examined for significance. A significant difference was found in the histologic scores between infected and noninfected dogs (P less than 0.025), but comparisons among histologic scores, cultural results, and ACB test results were not significant among infected dogs. The ACB test could neither be used to localize bacterial infection within the urinary tract nor could it be used to indicate the presence of bacterial invasion of the uroepithelium in dogs.     

Preclinical evaluation of 5-aminolevulinic acid-based photodynamic therapy for canine transitional cell carcinoma

As a prelude to photodynamic therapy, 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA) was given orally to healthy dogs. ALA‐induced protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) fluorescence significantly increased in the mucosa of the urinary bladder in an ALA dose‐dependent fashion. Vomiting occurred after ALA administration in 70% of the dogs but did not affect PpIX fluorescence. ALA‐based photodynamic therapy (PDT) of the urinary bladder in healthy dogs caused only submucosal oedema within the bladder wall. No haematologic or serum biochemistry abnormalities were observed after ALA administration. Microscopic haematuria was observed in all the dogs after PDT but was mild and self limiting. ALA‐based PDT was administered to six dogs with transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the lower urinary tract. ALA‐based PDT resulted in tumour progression‐free intervals from 4 to 34 weeks in five dogs; one dog with pre‐existing hydronephrosis died shortly after PDT. Dogs with TCC represent an outbred, spontaneous, tumour model for developing PDT protocols for humans with bladder cancer.     

Clinicopathologic analysis of herpesvirus-induced urinary tract infection in specific-pathogen-free cats given methylprednisolone

The clinicopathologic manifestations of bovid herpesvirus-4 (BHV-4; FCAHV strain)-induced infection of the lower portion of the urinary tract were characterized in 12 adult neutered male and 6 female specific-pathogen-free cats, and were compared with those in 12 neutered male control cats. Six neutered male and 6 female cats were given immunosuppressive doses of methylprednisolone acetate prior to inoculation of their urinary bladders with BHV-4. Six neutered male control cats were given immunosuppressive doses of methylprednisolone acetate prior to inoculation of their urinary bladders with uninfected tissue culture control inoculum. Six additional neutered male control cats were exposed only to uninfected tissue culture control inoculum. All cats were observed for 90 days following inoculation. Dysuria and gross hematuria were observed in only 1 BHV-4-exposed cat. Radiographic abnormalities of the lower portion of the urinary tract were not observed. Microscopic hematuria, crystalluria, and lipiduria were identified with similar frequency in BHV-4-exposed and control cats. Results of urine culturing for bacteria, mycoplasma, ureaplasma, and viruses were negative. Viruses were not isolated from blood leukocytes collected from exposed or control cats. Three to 6 weeks after inoculation, high concentrations of BHV-4 serum antibodies were detected in all exposed cats by an indirect fluorescent antibody test. Light microscopic examination of the urinary tract revealed multifocal lymphoid cystitis in 2 BHV-4-exposed cats. Except for suppurative bronchitis in 1 BHV-4-exposed cat given glucocorticoids, morphologic differences in urinary and extraurinary tissues were not observed. In urinary bladder tissue collected 90 days after inoculation, BHV-4 was reisolated from urinary bladder explants of all but 1 exposed cat. Virus was also isolated from a kidney explant of 1 exposed male cat, and spleen cell co-cultures of 1 exposed female cat given glucocorticoids.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Cystinuria in a cat

A 10-month-old male Siamese cat with dysuria was determined to have cystine crystalluria. Many small calculi composed entirely of cystine were found in the urinary bladder. Measurement of serum and urine amino acids and calculation of fractional reabsorption of amino acids indicated reabsorption defects for cystine, ornithine, lysine, and arginine. Urinary acidification, fractional reabsorption of glucose, and fractional reabsorption of electrolytes were normal. Diagnoses of cystinuria and cystine urolithiasis were made on the basis of low fractional reabsorption of cystine and dibasic amino acids and the detection of cystine calculi in the urinary bladder.     

Phase II Clinical Trial of Carboplatin in Canine Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Urinary Bladder

Fourteen dogs with histologically-confirmed transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the urinary bladder were treated with 300 mg/m² carboplatin every 3 weeks. Response to therapy was assessed with abdominal radiography, double contrast cystography, urinary bladder ultrasonography and thoracic radiography before therapy and at 6–week intervals during therapy. Dogs were monitored for hematologic toxicity with a CBC and platelet count performed immediately before and 10 to 14 days after carboplatin treatment. Tumor responses included progressive disease in 11 dogs and stable disease in 1 dog. Two dogs were euthanized due to carboplatin toxicity before assessment of tumor response. Toxicity included thrombocytopenia with or without neutropenia in 7 dogs and gastrointestinal toxicity in 6 dogs. Carboplatin therapy was not beneficial in the treatment of TCC in the 14 dogs in this study.