Transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder in a 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding

A 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding was examined for haematuria and dysuria of 24h duration. Cystoscopy revealed an intraluminal multinodular soft tissue mass originating from the dorsal bladder neck. Histopathological examination of biopsies identified transitional cell carcinoma. The bladder mass was surgically debulked via a temporary perineal urethrotomy. The horse commenced treatment with oral piroxicam. Follow-up examination 18 months post operatively revealed no evidence of tumour recurrence. Neoplasia of the equine bladder is uncommon and this case describes the successful short-term outcome of treatment of a transitional cell carcinoma by surgical debulking and oral piroxicam.