Polypoid cystitis as a cause of haematuria in a pony mare

A 15-year-old pony mare was presented for investigation of haematuria of 2 weeks' duration. On cystoscopy, multiple small pedunculated soft tissue structures were observed on the bladder mucosa. Histopathological analysis of the masses was consistent with chronic polypoid cystitis. The polypoid lesions and associated haematuria resolved following prolonged antibiotic treatment. Polypoid cystitis has not previously been described in horses. This condition should be considered a differential for haematuria, requiring cystoscopy and biopsy to confirm a diagnosis.     

Comparison and evaluation of three serological tests for detection of antibodies to infectious bovine rhinotracheitis

Abstract

AIMS: To retrospectively describe clinical features of dogs that were presented to a small animal clinic between 2003–10 with macroscopic haematuria, and investigate whether signalment of the dog and severity and duration of the haematuria at admission were associated with specific aetiologies.

METHODS: Medical records were evaluated of 162 dogs with macroscopic haematuria admitted to a University-based small animal clinic in Thessaloniki, Greece, from January 2003 to December 2010. The inclusion criteria were discolouration of the urine sediment combined with abnormal numbers of erythrocytes, when examined microscopically. Data collected from the medical records included signalment, severity, frequency and duration of haematuria, and diagnosis.

RESULTS: Between January 2007 and December 2010, 8,893 dogs were admitted to the clinic; of these 99 (1.1%) were admitted with haematuria. Of the 162 dogs with records of haematuria, 80 (49.4%) were aged between 5.1–10 years, presented with acute (96/162; 59.3%), constant (99/162; 61.1%) and mild/moderate (150/162; 92.6%) haematuria. Of 147 dogs with a recorded diagnosis, the commonest diagnoses were urinary tract infection (UTI, 42/147; 28.6%), urolithiasis (38/147; 25.9%), prostatic disease (25/147; 17.0%) and urinary tumours (13/147; 8.8%). The prevalence of UTI was higher in female (22/56; 39%) than male (20/91; 22%) dogs, and in medium sized (22/52; 42%) than small (6/40; 15%) dogs. Urolithiasis was most prevalent in small (21/40; 52.5%) dogs, and all dogs with urolithiasis presented with mild/moderate haematuria. The prevalence of prostatic disease was highest in large (11/46; 24%) and giant (3/9; 33%) sized dogs and in dogs aged >10 years (8/30; 27%).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In this retrospective study from one small animal clinic, UTI, urolithiasis, prostatic disease and urinary tumours predominated among the causes of canine haematuria. The consideration of sex, age, and size of the dog and characteristics of haematuria were found to be useful parameters when forming the list of differential diagnoses.     

Urethrotomy of the glans penis in three male dogs with urolithiasis

Three intact male dogs with stranguria and haematuria caused by uroliths in the penile urethra underwent urethrotomy using a novel surgical approach directly over the caudal part of the os penis because conservative procedures to resolve the obstructions had failed. Haemorrhage was minimal, and the incisions healed rapidly by second intention. Complications did not occur during the 6‐month follow‐up period. Urethrotomy directly over the os penis is straightforward, associated with few complications and holds promise for the removal of urinary calculi in the penile urethra.     

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.     

Subtotal penile amputation and preputial urethrostomy in a dog

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 6-year-old castrated male Shih Tzu was evaluated because of intermittent bleeding during urination. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Necrosis of the cranial portion of the penile shaft extended distally from the preputial fornix. Penile necrosis secondary to strangulation from paraphimosis was diagnosed. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: A midline preputiotomy incision was used to expose the penile shaft; amputation was performed caudal to the preputial fornix. The terminal portion of the urethra was anastomosed to the preputial mucosa, which allowed the dog to urinate through the preputial orifice. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Unlike the more conventional urethrostomy procedures performed in dogs, preputial urethrostomy eliminates the potential for local skin irritation during urination. Preputial urethrostomy is also easier to perform in those dogs in which penile amputation is required adjacent to the preputial fornix. A release incision cranial to the prepuce can be used to facilitate caudal displacement of the preputial mucosa, which facilitates urethral anastomosis to this structure. A midline preputiotomy incision provided excellent exposure of the penile shaft for this surgical procedure.     

Applicability of endoscopic examination as a diagnostic approach in urinary tract ailments in dogs

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the applicability of endoscopic examination as a diagnostic method in urethra and bladder ailments in dogs. The experiment involved 60 dogs of different breeds and gender, weighing from 5 to 65 kg, aged between 7 months and 12 years. The dogs were divided into two groups. Group I consisted of clinically healthy animals on which all the lower urinary tract endoscopic examinations described in the literature as well as biopsies of mucosa were performed. Group II consisted of clinical patients, on which endoscopic diagnostic examination was conducted and, on some of them, biopsies for histopathologic examination were made. The results of the experiment suggest that the lower urinary track endoscopy is a suitable diagnostic technique for recognition and differentiation of mucosa inflammation, establishment of causes of haematuria, diagnostics of neoplasms and detection of the existence of an ectopic ureter. Biopsy and histopathologic examination improved the diagnostic value of endoscopy. The techniques tested in our study, inclusive of more invasive method like PPC and cystoscopy on males preceded by the perineal urethrotomy, enable doctors to perform the lower urinary tract endoscopic examination on dogs, especially up to 5 kg. regardless of their gender.     

Pleural mesothelioma in a nine-month-old dog

This paper reports on an unusual case of pleural epitheloid mesothelioma in a nine-month-old male, mixed breed dog. The dog was presented in-extremis and, on post mortem examination, multiple, exophytic, frequently pedunculated, yellowish-red, soft to firm masses ranging from 3 mm to 6 cm in diameter were diffusely distributed over, and attached to, the pericardial and parietal pleural surfaces. Microscopically, these masses consisted of round to partially polygonalshaped, anaplastic cells with minimal cytoplasm and hyperchromatic nuclei covering papillomatous projections or as part of more densely cellular masses. A supporting fibrovascular stroma and mitotic figures were also evident. Constituent tumour cells were labeled positively with antibodies against both vimentin and cytokeratin. In contrast, the same cells exhibited equivocal labeling with an antibody directed against calretinin antigen and did not label with antibodies against carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and milk fat globule-related antigen (MFGRA). Such tumours are rare in dogs, particularly in such a young animal.     

Penile amputation and scrotal urethrostomy in 18 dogs

The objective of this study was to report the signalment, indications for surgery, postoperative complications and outcome in dogs undergoing penile amputation and scrotal urethrostomy. Medical records of three surgical referral facilities were reviewed for dogs undergoing penile amputation and scrotal urethrostomy between January 2003 and July 2010. Data collected included signalment, presenting signs, indication for penile amputation, surgical technique, postoperative complications and long-term outcome. Eighteen dogs were included in the study. Indications for surgery were treatment of neoplasia (n=6), external or unknown penile trauma (n=4), penile trauma or necrosis associated with urethral obstruction with calculi (n=3), priapism (n=4) and balanoposthitis (n=1). All dogs suffered mild postoperative haemorrhage (posturination and/or spontaneous) from the urethrostomy stoma for up to 21 days (mean 5.5 days). Four dogs had minor complications recorded at suture removal (minor dehiscence (n=1), mild bruising and swelling around the urethrostomy site and mild haemorrhage at suture removal (n=2), and granulation at the edge of stoma (n=1)). One dog had a major complication (wound dehiscence and subsequent stricture of the stoma). Long-term outcome was excellent in all dogs with non-neoplastic disease. Local tumour recurrence and/or metastatic disease occurred within five to 12 months of surgery in two dogs undergoing penile amputation for the treatment of neoplasia. Both dogs were euthanased.     

Idiopathic chronic penile protrusion in the dog: a report of six cases

Idiopathic chronic penile protrusion was diagnosed in six dogs during a seven year period. All cases were treated surgically by using cranial advancement of the prepuce. The surgical technique was successful in four dogs, while the remaining two developed recurrence. In one of the latter cases, partial penile amputation was performed to correct the recurrent protrusion. Five dogs were available for follow-up clinical examination and all were found to be normal.     

Diagnostic ultrasound of polypoid cystitis in dogs

Polypoid cystitis is a rare disease of the urinary bladder in dogs characterized by chronic inflammation, epithelial proliferation, and development of a polypoid mass or masses without histopathologic evidence of neoplasia. The ultrasonographic appearances of eight dogs with polypoid cystitis are described. Ultrasonography confirmed the presence of a bladder mass or masses in all patients. Ultrasonographic findings are mucosal projections and a polypoid to pedunculated mass of variable size and shape. Although a polypoid mass tends to be located in the cranioventral bladder mucosa, the polyps also could arise in the craniodorsal bladder mucosa. Ultrasonographic images are well correlated with contrast radiographic studies and gross morphological appearance. Ultrasound is a non-invasive, very useful diagnostic tool for detecting bladder polyps, but histopathology is required for definitive diagnosis.     

ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN DUAL‐PHASE COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY FEATURES AND HISTOPATHOLOGIC DIAGNOSES IN 52 DOGS WITH HEPATIC OR SPLENIC MASSES

Ability to noninvasively differentiate malignant from nonmalignant abdominal masses would aid clinical decision making. The aim of this retrospective, cross‐sectional study was to identify features in dual‐phase computed tomographic (CT) studies that could be used to distinguish malignant from nonmalignant hepatic and splenic masses in dogs. Medical records were searched for dogs that had an abdominal dual‐phase CT examination, a hepatic or splenic mass, and subsequent histopathologic diagnosis. Computed tomographic images for all included dogs were acquired prior to and <30 s (early phase) and >60 s (delayed phase) after intravenous contrast administration. Fifty‐two dogs with 55 masses were studied: 24 hepatic, including 14 (58%) malignant and 10 (42%) non‐malignant; 31 splenic, including 18 (58%) malignant and 13 (42%) nonmalignant. There was substantial overlap in the pre‐ and postcontrast CT features of malignant and nonmalignant hepatic and splenic masses. Regardless of histologic diagnosis, hepatic masses most frequently showed marked, generalized enhancement in early phase images that persisted in the delayed phase. Splenic hemangiosarcoma and nodular hyperplastic lesions most frequently showed marked, generalized enhancement in early phase images that persisted in delayed images whereas most splenic hematomas had slight enhancement in early phase images. All splenic hematomas and 77% of the hemangiosarcomas had contrast accumulation compatible with active hemorrhage. There were no other significant differences in quantitative or categorical CT data between malignant and nonmalignant hepatic or splenic masses. Dual‐phase CT of dogs with hepatic or splenic masses provides limited specific diagnostic information.     

Analysis of tidal breathing flow volume loop in dogs with tracheal masses

Objectives To investigate whether there are any changes in the tidal breathing flow volume loop (TBFVL) in calm, non-dyspnoeic dogs with intratracheal masses. Methods We compared 4 dogs with intratracheal masses (group 1) with 10 healthy dogs (group 2). Routine clinical and laboratory examinations of the dogs were unremarkable, except for episodic upper respiratory obstructive signs in the dogs in group 1. Lateral radiography of the neck and thorax showed that group 1 dogs had masses that appeared to protrude into the tracheal lumen. Tracheoscopy and surgery or necropsy was performed to confirm the presence of the mass. Arterial blood gas and TBFVL analysis was carried out in all dogs to assess respiratory status. Results The shape of the TBFVL for dogs in group 1 was narrower and ovoid compared with that for the group 2 dogs. Tidal volume and expiratory and inspiratory times were significantly reduced, whereas the respiratory rate was increased for dogs in group 1 compared with dogs in group 2. Arterial blood gas analysis was unremarkable for all dogs. Conclusions TBFVL is a non-invasive technique that is easy to perform and well tolerated by dogs. In the absence of abnormalities detected by routine diagnostic evaluations and arterial blood gas analysis in dogs with intratracheal masses, the TBFVL contributes to the definition of the physiologic status of the airways at the time of testing, and results suggests that these dogs breathe quite normally when they are calm and non-dyspnoeic.     

Zollinger-Ellison syndrome in three dogs

The main clinical signs of three dogs with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome were vomiting, diarrhoea, poor appetite and weight loss. The diagnosis was confirmed by histological examination and by gastrin immunocytochemistry. Gastrin was extracted from pancreatic tumours of two dogs. Gastrin-component III predominated in one dog while gastrin-component II and gastrin-component III were demonstrated in almost equal amounts in the other dog. In one dog serum gastrin concentration was high. Postmortem examination revealed pancreatic tumours in all three dogs and metastases in the regional lymph nodes and liver in two. The pancreatic tumours contained three patterns of growth: solid, trabecular and acinar. Electron microscopy of liver metastases showed cells with secretory granules. In all three dogs there was an erosive oesophagitis and thick gastric mucosa caused mainly by glandular proliferation. Two dogs had erosions and ulcers in the duodenum, one also in the first part of the jejunum. Villous atrophy and cellular infiltration of the duodenal mucosa were found in all dogs.     

Staphylococcal colonization of mucosal and lesional skin sites in atopic and healthy dogs

Staphylococcal colonization was compared in healthy dogs and in dogs with atopic dermatitis. Bacterial swabs were collected from the nasal mucosa, ear and perineum of 43 healthy and 24 atopic dogs and also from potentially infected skin lesions of the atopic dogs. Coagulase positive staphylococcal isolates were identified to the species level. At the time of this study Staphylococcus intermedius was considered a single species but has since been recognized as comprising at least three species with canine isolates believed to belong to Staphylococcus pseudintermedius . Of atopic dogs, 87.5% were colonized with S. intermedius compared to only 37.2% of healthy dogs. The ear was the only carriage site that showed any significant difference in S. intermedius isolation between healthy and atopic dogs. The perineum represented the most frequently colonized mucosal site for both groups. Sampling the nasal mucosa alone identified 71.4% of atopic and 37.5% of healthy S. intermedius carriers. Inclusion of a perineal swab identified 100% of atopic and 93.8% of healthy carriers. S. intermedius was isolated from all the lesional sites sampled from atopic dogs. Significantly fewer dogs were colonized by Staphylococcus aureus than S. intermedius , and there was no significant difference between S. aureus colonization of atopic and healthy dogs. S. aureus was not recovered from any lesions in atopic dogs. The results show that S. intermedius carriage is more prevalent in atopic dogs compared to healthy dogs and that to identify staphylococcal carriers both the nasal mucosa and the perineum should be sampled.     

Familial po1ycystic kidnev disease in bull terriers

Polycystic kidney disease was observed in eight related bull terriers. Two dogs died suddenly, two were presented for haematuria, while the remainder were outwardly normal but detected during ultrasonographic screening programmes. A definitive diagnosis was made at either necropsy or using renal ultrasonography, although affected dogs also had abnormal urinalyses with haematuria, proteinuria, cast formation and sometimes bacterial infection. Valvular heart disease was detected clinically or at necropsy in all the affected dogs. The presence of polycystic kidney disease in several related dogs suggests that this condition is familial. The disease has clinical and pathological similarities with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease of humans.     

A urethropexy technique for surgical treatment of urethral prolapse in the male dog

Urethral prolapse is an uncommon condition affecting young male dogs, most commonly English bulldogs. Current described techniques for surgical treatment of urethral prolapse involve manual reduction of prolapsed mucosa and placement of a temporary purse-string suture at the penile tip, or resection of the prolapsed tissue and apposition of urethral and penile mucosa. The incidence of recurrence of urethral prolapse following resection of the prolapse is not known. This report describes a technique for surgical treatment of urethral prolapse in the male dog that minimizes surgical and anesthetic time, is simple to perform, requires minimal equipment, is effective, and is not associated with significant complications or recurrence. Three cases are described.     

Mycoplasma canis and urogenital disease in dogs in Norway

Mycoplasmas identified as Mycoplasma canis were isolated from nine dogs with clinical signs of urogenital disease in Norway over a period of 20 months. Some of the dogs had been treated unsuccessfully with antibiotics, and three were euthanased as a result of severe persistent disease. Seven of the dogs had a urinary tract infection, one had chronic purulent epididymitis and one had chronic prostatitis. Overt haematuria was frequently observed among the dogs with cystitis. M canis was isolated in pure culture from seven of the dogs and in mixed culture from the other two. In three cases the mycoplasma was cultivated only from urinary sediment, and it was typically obtained in smaller numbers than would be considered indicative of a urinary tract infection. In contrast with most mycoplasmas, the M canis isolated from all the dogs grew on ordinary blood agar plates used for routine bacteriological cultivation. Specific mycoplasma media were not used and the presence of other Mycoplasma or Ureaplasma species cannot be excluded.     

Does blood contamination of urine compromise interpretation of the urine protein to creatinine ratio in dogs?

AIMS: To determine the effect of contamination of urine with 0–5% blood, varying in haematocrit and protein concentrations, on the urine protein to creatinine ratio (UPC) in dogs, and to determine whether the colour of urine can be used to aid interpretation of UPC results.

METHODS: Urine samples were collected by free catch from 18 dogs, all of which had UPC?<0.2. Venous blood samples were also collected from each dog, and the blood from each dog was added to its own urine to produce serial concentrations of 0.125–5% blood. The colour of each urine sample was recorded by two observers scoring them as either yellow, peach, orange, orange/red or red. Protein and creatinine concentrations were determined, and dipstick analysis and sediment examination was carried out on each sample. Based on colour and dipstick analysis, samples were categorised as either having microscopic, macroscopic or gross haematuria. A linear mixed model was used to examine the effect of blood contamination on UPC.

RESULTS: The uncontaminated urine of all 18 dogs had a UPC?<0.2. Adding blood to the urine samples resulted in an increase in UPC at all contamination concentrations compared to the non-contaminated urine (p<0.001). None of the 54 samples with microscopic haematuria had UPC?>0.5. For 108 samples with macroscopic haematuria the UPC was >0.5 in 21 samples (19.4 (95% CI=13.1–27.9)%), and for 54 samples with gross haematuria 39 (72 (CI=59.1–82.4)%) had a UPC?>0.5. No samples had a UPC?>2.0 unless the blood contamination was 5% and only 3/18 (17%) samples at this blood contamination concentration had a UPC?>2.0.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study showed that while blood contamination of ≥0.125% does increase the UPC, if the urine remains yellow (microscopic haematuria), then there is negligible chance that a UPC?>0.5 will be solely due to the added blood. In that scenario, attributing the proteinuria present to the haematuria in the sample would be inappropriate. However blood contamination that results in discolouration of the urine sample from yellow (indicating macroscopic or gross haematuria) could increase the UPC above the abnormal range and would need to be considered as a differential for the proteinuria. Thus knowledge of urine colour, even if limited to simple colour scores (yellow, discoloured, red) could be utilised to aid interpretation of the UPC in samples with haematuria.     

Pyloric stenosis caused by hypertrophic gastritis in three dogs

Hypertrophic gastritis of the pyloric antrum is described in an 11-year-old female poodle, a 14-year-old male Maltese terrier and a 13-year-old male mongrel. The dogs suffered from chronic vomiting. Gastroscopic examination revealed mucosal proliferations in dogs 1 and 3. Radiographic examination showed signs of pyloric obstruction in all three dogs. Contrast studies demonstrated thickenings in the region of the pylorus in dogs 1 and 2. Laparotomy was done in all three dogs: in dog 1 a gastro-duodenostomy was performed and in dogs 2 and 3 the circularly thickened mucosa was resected. The mucosa of all three dogs showed hypertrophic gastritis, chiefly due to foveolar hyperplasia, and round cell infiltration, especially in the superficial layers. Herniation of mucosal glands through the muscularis mucosae was found in dog 1. Dogs 1 and 2 recovered well and vomiting ceased. Dog 3 continued to vomit because of a pyloric stenosis, mainly due to muscular hypertrophy.     

Diagnosis and clinical course of canine oral papillomavirus infection

A six-month-old intact male rottweiler presented with papillomatous growths protruding from the oral mucous membranes. A tentative diagnosis of canine oral papillomavirus (COPV) infection was made based on the gross appearance of the numerous lesions and the young age of the patient. Two warts from the oral mucosa were removed surgically for further diagnostic investigations. The viral aetiology of the disease was confirmed by histopathological and electron microscopic findings, and by the identification of specific COPV DNA in removed oral papillomatous tissue. The patient was followed clinically and complete regression of the oral lesions occurred after four weeks. Neither the route of transmission nor the source of infection was found. Immunodeficiency as a contributing aetiological factor to the development of COPV-induced lesions is discussed.