Polypoid Cystitis: A Retrospective Case-Series of 112 Dogs

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Canine Urology
• Pathology

Background:

• Polypoid cystitis (PoC) in dogs is a condition linked to chronic bladder inflammation.
• It is often discovered during investigations for lower urinary tract disease signs or incidentally.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize polypoid cystitis in dogs within an academic veterinary practice.
• To describe clinical signs, diagnostic findings, and outcomes for dogs with PoC.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study analyzed medical records of dogs with confirmed or presumptive PoC from 2004 to 2020.
• Data collected included presenting signs, diagnostic imaging, urinalysis, and treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

• Hematuria, stranguria, and pollakiuria were the most common signs; some cases were incidental findings.
• Urinary tract infections (UTI) and urolithiasis were frequent presumptive causes.
• Ultrasonography revealed polypoid structures, masses, and bladder wall thickening, predominantly in the cranioventral apex; no BRAF V595E mutation was detected.

Conclusions:

• A history of UTI or urolithiasis, compatible imaging, and the absence of the BRAF V595E mutation support a presumptive PoC diagnosis in dogs.
• Dogs with PoC have a favorable prognosis, emphasizing the need to differentiate it from other urinary tract diseases.