Uterine leiomyosarcoma and pyometra in a dog

A seven-year-old entire female, mixed-breed dog, weighing 19 kg, was presented with a 2-day history of abdominal distension, reduced appetite and general dullness. Abdominal palpation revealed a large mass. Radiography showed a large mass occupying the left mid-abdominal area and convoluted loops of tubular fluid opacity occupying the right mid-abdominal area. Ultrasonography revealed a large heterogeneous mass with an anechoic area and some hyperechoic foci, indicative of calcification, in the mid-abdominal area. Furthermore, hypoechoic areas were found in the middle and caudal abdominal area and were presumed to be the fluid-filled uterine horns. At laparotomy, a 10·5×14·5-cm firm mass was found in the uterine body, while the uterine horns were filled with a thick red-brownish exudate; ovariohysterectomy was subsequently performed. A diagnosis of uterine leiomyosarcoma associated with pyometra was established by histopathology and immunohistochemistry.     

Uterine B cell lymphoma in a mare

In this report, we describe the diagnostic findings and outcome of a uterine B cell lymphoma in a mare. A well circumscribed uterine mass with significant peripheral vascularisation was identified by transrectal ultrasonography during the reproductive examination of an 8‐year‐old Thoroughbred mare. Subsequent hysteroscopy revealed that the uterine mass was located intramurally and contained a protruding polyp‐like structure. A diagnosis of uterine B cell lymphoma was established by histopathological examination of a hysteroscopically‐obtained tissue sample. Additional diagnostics demonstrated that the uterus was a site of metastasis. Due to her deteriorating condition, extensiveness of the tumour and poor prognosis, the owner decided that the mare should be subjected to euthanasia.     

Uterine carcinoma in a 10-month-old golden retriever

A 10-month-old golden retriever was presented for investigation of reduced appetite, occasional vomiting and general dullness. Abdominal radiography demonstrated a large mid-abdominal soft tissue mass. Exploratory laparotomy identified a uterine mass, which was removed surgically. Histopathology confirmed uterine adenocarcinoma. Adjunctive chemotherapy with epirubicin was performed. The dog remained clinically normal without evidence of metastatic disease 24 months after surgery. Canine uterine adenocarcinoma is an extremely rare tumour and, as far as the authors are aware, this is the youngest reported case to date.     

Ectopic pregnancy with uterine horn encapsulation in a cat

A 4 x 7-cm free-floating cylindrical mass was found in the abdomen of a 2 1/2-year-old domestic short-hair cat at ovariohysterectomy. The left uterine horn was absent. The mass contained 2 necrotic fetuses surrounded by tissue with the histologic appearance of uterine wall.     

Idiopathic prolapse of 1 uterine horn in a yearling filly

A yearling filly was presented for protrusion of a mass at the vulvar margins. A diagnosis of prolapse of the right uterine horn was made after vaginoscopy, transrectal palpation, and ultrasonography. It was confirmed later by biopsy of the tissue. Recovery was uneventful after easy replacement of the uterine horn.     

Septic metritis secondary to torsion of a pedunculated uterine fibroleiomyoma in a filly.

A 2-year-old Arabian filly was referred for evaluation of a serosanguineous vaginal discharge. Palpation per rectum revealed a large, fluid-filled uterus and a uterine mass. The filly developed septic metritis and secondary laminitis as a result of torsion and necrosis of a pedunculated uterine mass. Ovariohysterectomy was performed. The entire cervix was removed with the uterus. Gross examination of the excised uterus revealed 3 intraluminal masses. Histologic evaluation identified the tumors as fibroleiomyoma. The filly recovered completely, and there was no recurrence of the tumor.     

Standing laparoscopic-assisted vaginal ovariohysterectomy in a mare

A 20-year-old Arabian mare presented to Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital for evaluation of haemorrhagic vaginal discharge of 3 months' duration. The referring veterinarian had identified a mass within the uterine wall via transrectal ultrasonographic examination. On presentation, the mare had an unremarkable physical examination with the exception of a mild haemorrhagic vaginal discharge. Rectal palpation was performed and an approximately 9 cm diameter mass with a granular texture was identified associated within the uterine body and left uterine horn. Endoscopic examination of the reproductive tract revealed a linear defect in the ventral uterine wall near the cervix with direct communication into the abdomen. Standing laparoscopic-assisted vaginal ovariohysterectomy (OHE) was performed, which involved laparoscopic facilitated dissection and haemostasis of uterine and ovarian structures, and inversion of the uterus through the cervix. Removal of the uterus was performed vaginally. No post operative complications were noted. Standing laparoscopic-assisted vaginal OHE is an alternative to traditional OHE techniques. This technique allowed for excellent direct visual observation during dissection and ligation and did not require general anaesthesia.     

Use of a hand-assisted laparoscopic technique for removal of a uterine leiomyoma in a standing mare

A 20-year-old Thoroughbred mare was evaluated because of a 2-year history of infertility. The mare had normal estrous cycles and had been bred 7 times by different stallions. Ultrasonographic examination revealed a homogeneous hyperechoic intramural mass in the tip of the right uterine horn; the mass was also detected via hysteroscopy Unilateral ovariectomy and partial hysterectomy were performed by use of a hand-assisted laparoscopic technique. Leiomyoma was diagnosed via histologic examination of the mass. Unilateral ovariectomy and partial hysterectomy are recommended in mares with leiomyoma in a uterine horn, especially if the tumor is associated with infertility. The hand-assisted laparoscopic technique allows direct visualization of abdominal structures and accurate placement of ligatures without applying tension on the broad ligament, and eliminates the risks and costs of general anesthesia.     

Inguinal herniation with hydrometra/mucometra in a poodle bitch

A 5-year-old, sexually intact poodle bitch was presented with a 2-year history of inguinal mass. A tentative diagnosis of hydrometra/mucometra with inguinal herniation was made and ovariohysterectomy with hernia repair was performed. Both fluid-filled uterine horns, both broad ligaments, and the uterine body were observed to be herniated through the inguinal ring. On histopathology, marked edema and diffuse hemorrhage were diagnosed in the uterus.     

A case report of an ectopic fetus in a cat

An ectopic fetus was discovered in an 18-month-old uniparous queen that was admitted for an elective ovariectomy. Six months prior she had delivered three healthy kittens. During the preoperative examination, a mass similar in size to a full-term fetus was detected in the abdominal cavity. Ultrasound examination revealed the mass to be an ectopic fetus in the mid-abdominal region. A mummified fetus was removed by laparotomy. No rupture of the uterine wall was visible, but a small necrotic area was present on the left uterine horn, adjacent to the very proximal portion of the uterine horn. The fetus, which was fully developed and covered by a thin membrane, was carefully dissected. Histological examination did not enable us to definitively prove the extra-uterine development of the fetus; however, the ectopic development of the conceptus secondarily expelled into the peritoneal cavity could be assumed.     

A giant parovarian cyst in a dog with a granulosa cell tumor

A 13-year old intact female poodle showed persistent signs of estrus. Ultrasonographically, a large cystic mass containing echogenic fluid with a thin wall was observed, and it was 8 cm in diameter. The cystic mass was located at the mesovarium between the left ovary and uterine horn, and it was identified as a giant parovarian cyst. A right ovarian mass was histologically diagnosed as a granulosa cell tumor. Persistent estrogen hormone secretion by the granulosa cell tumor was thought to cause a rapid increase in the size of the parovarian cyst. This rare cystic mass originated from the genital system and was differentiated from the uterus.     

Surgical removal of a granulosa cell tumor from a heifer

A twelve month old, noncycling Holstein-Friesian heifer, was examined because of abnormal udder development. Rectal palpation revealed a tense right uterine horn. A solid mass in the right abdomen was detected by ballottement. A granulosa cell tumor of the right ovary was removed and nine months later the animal conceived.     

Uterine Leiomyoma in a Spayed Poodle Bitch: A Case Report

A 16‐year‐old, spayed, female poodle dog was presented for evaluation of tenesmus, with the ability to attract male dogs and a willingness to mate. The dog had undergone an ovariohysterectomy when it was 7 years old. Haematological and serum biochemistry analyses demonstrated leucocytosis and a mild uraemia. A vaginal smear was predominantly made up of superficial cells, accounting for at least 80% of the cells. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a heterogeneous multicystic mass at the caudal abdomen and two masses with anechoic areas adjacent to the caudal pole of each kidney. A midline exploratory laparotomy identified a uterine mass and residual ovaries that were surgically excised. Histopathological examination of the mass demonstrated that it was a leiomyoma. The left ovary had a cystic structure and the right ovary had a papillary cystic adenoma. Seven months after the surgery, the owner reported that the dog was clinically normal. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported case of a uterine leiomyoma after an incomplete ovariohysterectomy in the dog.     

Removal by laparoscopic partial ovariohysterectomy of a uterine leiomyoma assumed to have caused fetal death in a mare

A 13‐year‐old pluriparous Dutch Warmblood mare presented to Utrecht University's Department of Equine Sciences 4 weeks after suspected abortion at 3.5 months gestation, to investigate the nature of a uterine mass and persistent vulval discharge. Transrectal ultrasonographic examination revealed copious flocculent fluid and fetal remnants within the uterus and a 5–6 cm heterogenous mass in the uterine wall at the tip of the right horn. Expulsion of fetal parts and resolution of the coexisting endometritis were effected by a combination of repeated PGF_2a analogue injections to induce oestrus, application of PGE₂ gel to aid cervical relaxation, and daily uterine lavage and antibiotic instillation. The presence of the mass in the uterine wall was confirmed by hysteroscopy and the suspected tumour subsequently removed by partial laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy under standing sedation and local anaesthesia. The histological appearance of the tumour was consistent with a leiomyoma or moderately malignant leiomyosarcoma. Although a follow‐up examination 6 months post surgery revealed uncomplicated healing of the uterus, the owner decided to retire the mare from breeding. Uterine neoplasia is an extremely unusual cause of fetal death in the mare but, in the present case, laparoscopic partial ovariohysterectomy proved a promising, minimally invasive technique for salvaging sufficient uterus to make subsequent breeding a realistic proposition.     

Intra-abdominal hemorrhage associated with a granulosa-thecal cell neoplasm in a mare

A 9-year-old American Saddlebred mare was referred because of abdominal distention and signs of abdominal pain. Copious peritoneal fluid obtained by abdominocentesis appeared to be frank blood. Rectal and ultrasonographic evaluation of the abdomen revealed a large mass at the distal tip of the right uterine horn. The mare was euthanatized and necropsied and the mass was determined to be a granulosa-thecal cell neoplasm. The most common clinical sign of granulosa-thecal cell neoplasm is infertility or abnormal sexual behavior. Hemoperitoneum is infrequently associated with neoplasms in horses.     

Uterine angiolipoleiomyoma in a dog.

An 11-year-old crossbred Pomeranian bitch displayed a large intramural, well-delineated uterine mass in one horn, near the junction with the uterine body. The mass was composed largely of mature adipose tissue, smooth muscle cells singly and in small clusters, anomalous medium-size and large arteries, and multifocal islands of cartilaginous and osseous tissues. Smooth muscle cells stained positively for desmin, and adipocytes and chondrocytes were positive for S-100 protein. This tumor has histologic and immunohistochemical features compatible with human uterine angiolipoleiomyoma, a rare tumor that has never been reported in the veterinary literature. This benign tumor is believed to be of a choristomatous nature.     

Hydrometra in a ferret-case report.

A desexed female ferret was presented with bilateral alopecic changes. Clinical examination revealed generalized alopecia and abdominal distension. A polycystic mass was found behind the right kidney, and the whole abdomen was filled with a large turgid mass. Radiography and ultrasonography confirmed the presumptive diagnosis of a hydrometra. Hematology and serum biochemistry showed regenerative anemia with light azotemia. Laparotomy showed the presence of a neoplastic mass at the location of the right ovary, a massive enlargement of the uterus filled with a clear fluid, and a subcapsular cyst on the left kidney. After surgery, histopathologic examination of the tissues diagnosed a leiomyoma of the right ovary with hyperplasia of the uterine wall.     

Uterine hematoma in a mare

An 8-year-old grey Arabian mare was presented for reproductive evaluation with a history of failing to become pregnant during two previous breeding seasons. An enlargement was identified on the right uterine horn on rectal examination which was confirmed as a fluid-filled nonechogenic mass on ultrasonography. Subsequent examination procedures and laparotomy revealed an old hematoma in the wall of the uterine horn.     

Haemangiosarcoma in the uterine remnant of a spayed female dog

A 11-year-old, female, spayed greyhound was presented with a haemorrhagic discharge from the vulva. Clinical examination, vaginoscopy and a computed tomography scan showed an irregular egg-sized mass in the region of the cervix and uterine stump. An endoscopic grab biopsy (incisional) suggested a malignant mesenchymal tumour. Following this, surgical excision of the cranial vagina, cervix and the uterine remnant was performed. The final diagnosis of haemangiosarcoma was based on histological examination of the larger excisional biopsy specimen and was confirmed by positive immunolabelling of the neoplastic endothelial cells for the von Willebrand factor.     

Delayed urethral obstruction after uterine torsion in a pregnant dog

A 4 yr old pregnant female shih tzu was presented with abdominal discomfort and bloody vulvar discharge. The nongravid uterine horn was reflected caudally over the trigone, obstructing urine outflow. A cesarian section and ovariohysterectomy were performed. Postoperatively, the hematuria and pollakiuria resolved. Seventeen days later, the pelvic urethra was completely obstructed by a soft tissue mass that was identified by rectal palpation, blocked catheterization attempts, contrast radiography, ultrasonography, and surgery. Management included temporary cystostomy tube and definitive prepubic urethrostomy. Histologic diagnosis was severe, multifocal, necrosuppurative urethritis with fibroplasia, fibrosis, and cellulitis, apparently secondary to ischemia. Delayed urethral obstruction is a potential complication of canine uterine torsion.