Computed tomography of testicular torsion in a juvenile dog with unilateral cryptorchidism

A 14-week-old male unilaterally cryptorchid Clumber spaniel was presented for acute lethargy. Physical examination revealed abdominal pain, and a single testis was palpated in the scrotum. Abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) revealed a poorly vascularized, ovoid structure immediately caudal to the left kidney with scant regional peritoneal effusion. Left intra-abdominal testicular torsion was confirmed at surgery, and routine cryptorchidectomy was performed. The patient recovered uneventfully from anesthesia and surgery.Key clinical message:The most common CT characteristics of testicular torsion were present in this case and correlated well with sonographic findings to allow for rapid, accurate diagnosis and surgical planning of unilateral, non-neoplastic, intra-abdominal cryptorchid testicular torsion in a juvenile dog. Contrast enhanced CT facilitated accurate localization of the undescended testis and evaluation of testicular perfusion and may be a useful alternative to ultrasound for diagnosing testicular torsion, especially in indeterminate cases.     

Paraprostatic cyst in a cat

A paraprostatic cyst and lymphosarcoma were found in a neutered male cat that was being evaluated for monoparesis and pollakiuria. The cyst was first detected on physical examination as a palpable caudal abdominal mass. Survey radiography, intravenous urography and ultrasonography were used to further evaluate the cyst. The exact histological nature of the cyst was determined by post mortem examination to be a paraprostatic cyst of prostatic origin that communicated with the urethra. The lining of the cyst consisted of one to two layers of transitional epithelium which was continuous with prostatic ductules in several locations. This is the first reported paraprostatic cyst of prostatic origin in a cat.     

Bilateral Testicular Mixed Germ Cell-sex Cord-stromal Tumours in a Stallion

An 18-year-old Friesian stallion was examined approximately one week after reportedly presenting scrotal swelling due to torsion of the spermatic cords. Upon presentation no scrotal swelling was noted, the testes were normally oriented, and no abnormalities of the spermatic cords were noted. However, both testes were smaller than expected for a mature stallion and deep palpation revealed that the consistency of the testes was nodular. Ultrasonographic evaluation of the testes revealed diffuse heterogeneous parenchyma with multiple hypoechoic nodular areas. Grossly, the testicular parenchyma was effaced by multiple gray-tan nodules of varying consistency interspersed with gray-white bands of tissue. Microscopic analysis revealed multiple pleomorphic neoplastic foci disseminated throughout both testes. Histological and immunohistochemical features were atypical and consistent with the diagnosis of bilateral testicular mixed germ cell-sex cord stromal tumours. Bilateral testicular tumours and testicular mixed cell tumours are extremely rare in stallions and this is the first report of bilateral testicular mixed germ cell-sex cord-stromal tumours in a stallion. Our findings indicate that certain ultrasonographic characteristics are suggestive of testicular tumour and that immunohistochemistry markers can be used to better characterize testicular neoplasms in stallions.     

Use of ultrasonographic and nuclear imaging to diagnose scrotal hernia in a dog

Ultrasonography and nuclear imaging were used in the diagnosis of scrotal hernia in a dog. Both techniques were useful as aids in the differential diagnosis of scrotal enlargement. Nuclear imaging was useful in ruling out testicular torsion; ultrasonography revealed a normal-appearing testis amid fluid and portions of omentum.     

Ultrasonographic appearance of torsion of a testicular seminoma in a cryptorchid dog

An intra-abdominal testicular tumour was diagnosed in a 10-year-old, male, cryptorchid golden retriever. Upon surgical removal, torsion of the testis was found. The histopathological diagnosis was seminoma. The ultrasound examination in this case revealed a parenchymal mass lesion. An ultrasound examination is a useful supplemental diagnostic tool for differentiation of abdominal mass lesions.     

Ultrasound diagnosis: intra-abdominal torsion of a non-neoplastic testicle in a cryptorchid dog

A 6-month-old male bilaterally cryptorchid Boxer was examined for acute abdominal pain. The results of physical examination, laboratory testing, and ultrasonographic examination are presented. Intra-abdominal testicular torsion was suspected and confirmed at surgery. No evidence of neoplasia was found at histopathologic examination of the twisted testicle. A discussion of testicular torsion is presented.     

Septic orchitis in an alpaca

An adult, intact male alpaca was presented with an acute onset of unilateral scrotal swelling. Following complete physical and ultrasonographic examination, the most likely differential diagnoses were orchitis, hematoma, and testicular torsion. The animal was castrated and histopathologic evaluation revealed unilateral orchitis. Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus was cultured.     

Testicular torsion in the dog: a review of 13 cases.

The clinical and pathological features of testicular torsion in 13 dogs are reviewed. The affected gonads were intra-abdominal in 11 animals, and inguinal and scrotal respectively in two others. In most cases, the torsion appeared to result from neoplastic enlargement of the testis.     

Clinical and Pathological Findings in Testis, Epididymis, Deferens Duct and Prostate following Vasectomy in a Dog

We report the case of a bilateral and multilocular spermatocele and sperm granuloma in a dog that was vasectomized 5 years before. Clinical examination revealed scrotal dermatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Orchiectomy was performed, and gross and histological examination showed testicular degeneration associated with epididymal sperm granuloma. In relation to this case, the literature about long-term effects of vasectomy in dogs has been reviewed. On the basis of these results, a preventive sonogram and physical assessment in prostate and other reproductive structures before vasectomy is recommended.     

Prostatic squamous metaplasia in a cat with interstitial cell neoplasia in a retained testis

An 11-year-old cat with a retained testis was presented with a chronic history of dysuria and bladder atony. Medical therapy failed to alleviate the clinical signs. Contrast radiography demonstrated a diffusely narrowed urethra. During a celiotomy and prepubic urethrostomy, a retained testis, stenosed urethra, and irregularly enlarged prostate were observed. Histopathologic diagnosis was retained testis with a well-differentiated interstitial cell tumor, a poorly differentiated interstitial cell tumor, and marked squamous metaplasia of the prostatic epithelium with suppurative prostatitis. Neoplastic interstitial cells were immunoreactive for Melan A, consistent with reports of Melan A expression in steroid hormone-producing tissue. This is the first report of prostatic squamous metaplasia associated with testicular neoplasia in a felid.     

Partial Resection and Omentalization: A New Technique for Management of Prostatic Retention Cysts in Dogs

Objective- The purpose of this study was to determine the results of a new technique for management of prostatic retention cysts in dogs.
Study Design- A retrospective clinical study.
Animals- Eighteen client-owned dogs.
Methods- Dogs with prostatic retention cysts were treated by celiotomy and drainage of the cysts. The majority of the cyst wall was resected and residual cyst cavities were packed with omentum. All dogs were castrated.
Results- Long-term resolution of clinical signs was achieved in all dogs, with follow-up periods ranging from 6 to 42 months. Five dogs developed urinary incontinence postoperatively. This persisted in two dogs, but was well controlled with phenylpropanolamine. In the remaining dogs, the incontinence was transient and resolved within 2 months of surgery.
Conclusions- Partial cyst resection combined with omentalization and castration was a simple and effective means of managing prostatic retention cysts. The incidence of serious complications, including postoperative urinary incontinence, was low.     

Costal bone changes similar to hypertrophic osteopathy associated with pulmonary and abdominal mesothelioma in a dog

An 8-year-old male Irish Setter was admitted because of nonweight bearing lameness of the left forelimb. Radiography failed to reveal any bony lesions of the forelimb; however, extensive periosteal new bone formation over most rib surfaces and an atypical cardiac silhouette suggestive of a mediastinal mass with pleural effusion were observed. New bone formation was seen on the ilium and a filling defect in the urethra, distal to the prostate, was apparent with contrast urethrocystography. Necropsy revealed scirrhous mesothelioma of the thorax and abdomen, multifocal periosteal exostoses, paraprostatic cyst, and benign prostatic cystic hyperplasia. Tumor cells were associated with the periosteal exostotic costal bone. The specific cause of the lameness was not determined.     

Blastomyces dermatitidis prostatic and testicular infection in eight dogs (1992-2005)

This was a retrospective case study of eight dogs diagnosed with prostatic or testicular B. dermatitidis infection. Signalment, clinical presentation, diagnostic procedures, and treatment options were evaluated. Review of medical records of dogs diagnosed with blastomycosis at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital from 1992 to 2005 yielded four dogs with prostatic blastomycosis (PB) and four dogs with testicular blastomycosis (TB). Three of the four dogs with PB and all four dogs with TB had evidence of urogenital disease. Three dogs with PB had an elevated body temperature and all had systemic disease. All dogs with TB had a normal body temperature, and three had systemic disease and one had clinical signs limited to testicular disease. Cytology or histopathology was used to diagnose PB or TB. Treatment included itraconazole or fluconazole with or without nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. PB and TB are infrequently recognized and may be under diagnosed due to failure to specifically evaluate these tissues. PB or TB should be considered in the evaluation and staging of male dogs with blastomycosis. Male dogs with urogenital signs should be evaluated via prostatic or testicular cytology or histopathology since proper identification and management of PB or TB may improve overall treatment success.     

PROSTATIC REFLUX DURING POSITIVE CONTRAST RETROGRADE URETHROGRAPHY IN THE DOG

Forty-five positive contrast retrograde urethrograms in which contrast medium reflux into the prostate was identified were evaluated to determine whether a correlation existed between the time and pattern of reflux and the nature of the prostatic disease. Prostatic diseases identified included prostatitis (25 dogs), prostatic tumor (13 dogs), and prostatic hyperplasia (1 dog). Six dogs with contrast medium reflux had no evidence of prostatic disease. No correlation was found between presence of prostatic reflux and specific prostatic diseases; however, prostatic tumor or infection was observed more frequently than hyperplasia, metaplasia, or cyst in the dogs with contrast medium reflux. A linear pattern and irregular, indistinct margination of the contrast medium reflux were associated with prostatitis; however, these patterns were also observed in dogs without prostatic disease     

Canine testicular tumors in descended and cryptorchid testes

A comparative study of canine testicular tumors in descended and cryptorchid testes was performed in order to associate pathologic features with clinical signs. Observation on 80 canine testicular tumors revealed the following distribution: in undescended testes, 4 tumors were classified as Seminomas (mean age: 8.8 +/- 3 years) and 14 as Sertoli cell tumors (8.7 +/- 1.7 years); in descended testes, 21 tumors were classified as seminomas (8.8 +/- 3 years), 13 as Sertoli cell tumors (9.8 +/- 1.8 years), 22 as Leydig cell tumors (11.5 +/- 2 years), 5 multiple primary tumors and 1 as an immunoblastic lymphoma. Histological features were studied and correlated with other clinical parameters: feminization manifestations, prostatic disease, perineal hernia and perianal gland tumor.     

Comparison of two sample collection methods for quantitative bacteriologic culture of canine prostatic fluid

Ejaculate, urine, urethral swab specimens, and ultrasonography-guided small-needle prostatic cyst aspiration and/or tissue core biopsy specimens were collected for bacteriologic culture from 25 dogs in which prostatic disease was suspected on the basis of history, clinical signs of disease, or results of physical examination. The prostate gland in each dog was examined ultrasonographically, and the tissue core biopsy specimens were examined histologically and bacteriologically. Two methods were used to assess bacterial prostatitis. In 5 dogs (20%), bacteriologic culture results of paired urethral swab and ejaculate specimens differed from culture results of specimens obtained by needle aspiration of prostatic cyst fluid or tissue core biopsy. The prostate gland in 17 dogs had 1 or more cystic, fluid-filled structures (0.5 to 4.0 cm in diameter). Ultrasonographic appearance of the prostate gland did not have obvious correlation with culture results from dogs of the study. Histologic results of prostatic tissue core biopsy specimens correlated well with culture results.     

Study of prostatic disease in dogs: 177 cases (1981-1986).

Historical and physical signs associated with prostatic disease diagnosed in dogs over a 5.5-year period were defined. One hundred seventy-seven male dogs were determined to have prostatic abnormality. Of the 177 dogs, 87 were determined to have specific prostatic disease. The most common prostatic disease identified in this study was bacterial prostatitis, followed by prostatic cyst, prostatic adenocarcinoma, and benign hyperplasia. The most common prostatic disease identified in neutered dogs was prostatic adenocarcinoma. Mean age at onset of prostatic disease was 8.9 years; statistically significant difference was not observed between age at onset of the various types of prostatic disease identified. Doberman Pinscher was the most common breed with prostate disease. Twenty-nine percent of dogs with a specifically identifiable prostatic disease had signs of systemic illness, 41% had signs of lower urinary tract disease, 28% had signs of gastrointestinal tract abnormalities, and 13% had signs of locomotor difficulty.     

Azoospermia due to testicular degeneration in a breeding stallion

In a breeding stallion with azoospermia clinical andrological evaluation, transscrotal testicular ultrasonography, testicular biopsy and hormonal analysis were carried out.For differentiation of testicular versus obstructive azoospermia a testicular biopsy was carried out. The histological examination revealed testicular degeneration.     

Use of intralesional oestradiol concentration to identify a functional pulmonary metastasis of canine sertoli cell tumour

A seven-year-old, 31 kg male neutered Labrador was investigated for signs of feminisation syndrome and prostatic disease four years after castration and removal of a testicular sertoli cell tumour (SCT). Investigations revealed an elevated serum oestradiol-17β concentration, a pulmonary mass containing fluid high in oestradiol-17β and cystic changes in the prostate gland. The pulmonary mass was surgically excised and histologically confirmed to be a SCT metastasis. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of a proven functional extranodal SCT metastasis and the first to be diagnosed by oestradiol-17β measurement of intralesional fluid.     

Canine prostatic disease--comparison of ultrasonographic appearance with morphologic and microbiologic findings: 30 cases (1981-1985)

A retrospective analysis was made of 30 cases of canine prostatic disease, with the objective of identifying (via a prepubic approach) the 2-dimensional, gray-scale ultrasonographic appearance most often associated with the various spontaneous prostatic diseases. Ultrasonography was of value in characterizing the parenchymal architecture as normal vs focally hyperechoic and diffusely hyperechoic (associated with chronic inflammation and neoplasia) or focally hypoechoic or anechoic (either accompanied by distant enhancement), which was associated with retention cyst or abscess. Further specificity based only on abnormal echotexture was not possible. Ultrasonography facilitated the differentiation of radiographically identifiable prostatomegaly attributable to abscess or neoplasia from apparent prostatomegaly attributable to paraprostatic cyst. An imaging protocol consisting of distention retrograde urethrocystography and prepubic ultrasonography was recommended, as a distended bladder aided ultrasonographic identification of the prostate gland. In addition, the combination of urethral morphologic features and urethroprostatic reflux appearance complemented the ultrasonographic appearance for differentiation of prostatic abscess from prostatic carcinoma. A classification scheme for spontaneous canine prostatic disease combining germane imaging morphologic features with microscopic and microbiologic findings was proposed.