Transitional cell carcinoma involving the ductus deferens in a dog.
METHODS
A 12-year-old neutered male Springer Spaniel was referred with a 1-year history of recurring urinary tract infections. Repeated treatment with appropriate antimicrobials selected on the basis of bacterial culture and antimicrobial susceptibility results would result in clinical improvement, but recurrence of clinical signs was observed within days after discontinuation of treatment.


RESULTS
Ultrasound examination revealed a tubular, fluid-filled structure dorsal to the bladder that extended from the midlevel of the bladder to the cranial pole of the prostate. Mineralized foci within a heterogeneous prostatic parenchyma were also noted. Dilation of the right ductus deferens (DD) was observed during exploratory laparotomy.


RESULTS
Both DD were surgically removed, and the prostate was biopsied. The histopathological diagnosis was transitional cell carcinoma involving the right DD and the prostate. The dog was treated with meloxicam (0.1 mg/kg [0.05 mg/lb], p.o., q 24 h) for 9 months after diagnosis before being euthanized.


CONCLUSIONS
Because the normal DD is rarely visualized during abdominal ultrasonography in dogs, identification of a tubular, fluid-filled structure dorsal to the bladder may indicate an abnormal DD. Transitional cell carcinoma of the DD should be included in the differential diagnoses of affected patients examined for clinical signs involving the urinary tract.
VRCC Veterinary Referrals, 1 Bramston Way, Southfields, Laindon, Essex, SS15 6TP, England. guerinvins@gmail.com
Vincent J
VJ
Guerin
Krista W Visser
KW
't Hooft
Henry F
HF
L'Eplattenier
Audrey F
AF
Petite
D000818:Animals; D002295:Carcinoma, Transitional Cell / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D004285:Dogs; D037901:Euthanasia, Animal; D008297:Male; D000077239:Meloxicam; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D013736:Testicular Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D013843:Thiazines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013844:Thiazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014649:Vas Deferens
D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; D013843:Thiazines; D013844:Thiazoles; D000077239:Meloxicam