Endoscopic diagnosis of an obstructive fungal ball in the urethra of a dog

Abstract

AbstractA 1‐year‐old, male, neutered German shepherd dog was presented for a chronic atraumatic non‐healing fracture of the right accessory carpal bone, stranguria and polyuria/polydipsia. Biochemistry and urinalysis showed azotaemia. Ultrasound and computed tomography of the abdomen both demonstrated bilateral renal infarcts with pyelectasia, bilateral ureteral dilation and bladder distension. Cystoscopy of the bladder identified a fungal ball obstructing the pelvic urethral sphincter, which was adhered to the bladder mucosa in the region of the ureterovesicular junction. The obstruction was traversed endoscopically, but could not be removed transurethrally. The combination of elevated serum galactomannan titres (6.4) and Aspergillus terreus cultured from urine, confirmed a diagnosis of disseminated aspergillosis. The dog was euthanased due to poor quality of life, guarded prognosis and lengthy timeframe before an expected medical response. This is the first case report describing Aspergillus fungal balls in a dog causing partial urethral and bilateral ureteral obstruction, identified using cystoscopy.