IMAGING DIAGNOSIS--URINARY BLADDER DUPLICATION IN A CAT

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Comparative Pathology
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Congenital anomalies of the urinary tract can present with complex clinical signs in felines.
• Urinary incontinence and chronic kidney disease in young animals warrant thorough diagnostic investigation.
• Distinguishing between ectopic ureteroceles and other cystic abdominal masses is crucial for accurate diagnosis.

Observation:

• A female kitten exhibited chronic, intermittent urinary incontinence and chronic kidney disease.
• Imaging revealed bilateral pelvic/ureteral dilation and unusual fluid-filled structures in the caudal abdomen.
• Contrast studies showed contrast medium accumulating into these masses before filling the urinary bladder.

Findings:

• Antemortem diagnosis was suspicious for bilateral ectopic ureteroceles.
• Postmortem examination revealed the masses to be a urinary bladder duplication, characterized by smooth muscle walls and a common ostium.
• Histological confirmation was necessary to differentiate urinary bladder duplication from ectopic ureteroceles.

Implications:

• Urinary bladder duplication should be considered in the differential diagnosis for cats presenting with similar clinical and imaging findings.
• This case underscores the importance of histological examination for definitive diagnosis of complex congenital urinary tract anomalies.
• Accurate diagnosis of feline urinary tract abnormalities is essential for appropriate management and prognosis.