Urachal Adenocarcinoma in a Dog

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Canine Oncology
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Urachal remnants can be sites for urachal adenocarcinoma in dogs.
• Intermittent hematuria is a common clinical sign of lower urinary tract disease in dogs.

Observation:

• An 8-year-old Labrador retriever presented with a 3-year history of intermittent hematuria.
• Ultrasonography revealed a 2x3x0.5 cm intraluminal mass at the urinary bladder dome.
• Histopathology showed neoplastic epithelial cells with signet ring morphology and mucin production.

Findings:

• Immunohistochemistry revealed weak cytokeratin 7 and strong CDX2 nuclear immunoreactivity.
• A diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of urachal origin was made based on morphology and immunophenotype.
• This is the first reported case of urachal adenocarcinoma in a dog.

Implications:

• This case expands the differential diagnosis for urinary bladder masses in dogs.
• Early detection and surgical excision via partial cystectomy are crucial for treatment.
• Further research is needed to understand the pathogenesis and behavior of canine urachal adenocarcinoma.