Primary transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis in a dog

Abstract

A 12-year-old dog was evaluated for depression and anorexia. The results of complete blood count and serum biochemistry were normal. Survey radiographs revealed markedly enlarged right kidney and abdominal ultrasound showed a renomegaly and hydronephrosis filled with mixed echogenic fluid. Primary renal tumor was suspected in this dog. Nephroureterectomy of the right kidney was performed, and no regional metastases have been identified. Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) arising from renal pelvis accompanied hydronephrosis of the right kidney was diagnosed on histology. TCC usually affects trigone of the bladder, and renal origin of TCC is a very rare finding in dogs. This is the first case report to present the clinical features, diagnostic imaging findings and histopathological characteristics of a dog with TCC originating from the renal pelvis in Korea.