History

A 14-week old, intact male Great Dane presented on referral for a suspected bladder mass. The owner reported pollakiuria and hematuria. The RDVM was treating for a suspected UTI. Two one-week courses of antibiotics were administered with no reported effect. Abdominal ultrasound revealed right-sided hydronephrosis and hydroureter. A soft tissue density mass was noted in the bladder and was suspected to be a hematoma. The case was referred for further consultation and possible surgical excision.

Presenting Symptoms

•Pollakiuria
•Hematuria

Physical Examination and Diagnostic Tests

Abdominal palpation was quiet and non-painful. Both kidneys were palpable and non-painful. Advanced radiographic study, Intravenous urogram, was recommended. The images confirmed hydronephrosis and hydroureter on the right side, probably due to the lobulated mass associated with the caudal and dorsal bladder wall. While under sedation, the bladder mass was palpably associated at the level of the trigone. Traumatic catheterization to obtain tissue and cytology was performed.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Given the dog’s age, presenting complaint and physical findings, a neoplastic process, such as botryoid rhabdomyosarcoma, was suggested. Histopathology results revealed a neoplastic population of poorly differentiated sarcoma. It was explained to the owner that surgical excision may be explored; however, complete excision may not be achieved. Given the poor prognosis for complete surgical excision, the owner opted to humanely euthanatize.