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

Summary A 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding was examined for haematuria and dysuria of 24 h 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.