Ultrasonographic Diagnosis of Transitional cell Carcinoma of the urinary bladder

Abstract

The most common cancer of the dog urinary bladder is invasive transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of intermediate to high grade. TCC is a malignant tumor, i.e. cancer that develops from the transitional epithelial cells that line the bladder. In dogs, this tumor invades into the deeper layers of the bladder wall including the bladder muscles. Canine TCC also has the ability to spread to lymph nodes and to other organs in the body (lung, liver, others). TCC most frequently is found in the bladder, but can also develop in the kidneys, ureters, and prostate. HISTORY A Ten-year-old, male, local breed dog was referred to the Batna University, Surgery and imaging service for further investigation after a two-month duration of intermittent haematuria. The dog was alert, had a normal appetite and failed to respond to vigorous treatment for bacterial cystitis. Physical examination revealed tensed abdomen and a pale mucous membrane. A large firm mass was palpable in the caudal abdomen. Hematological profiles indicated a normal haemogram. Elevated alkaline phosphatase (225 units) activities with normal levels of blood urea nitrogen (13 mg%) and creatinine (0.8 mg%) were identified on the serum biochemical analyses. Plain abdominal radiography showed a normal hepatic and kidney size with a marked distension of urinary bladder without any evidence of radiopague calculi. ULTRASONOGRAPHIC EVALUATION