Don't forget the polypoid cystitis in your ddx

Polypoid Cystitis: A Retrospective Case Series of 112 Dogs

Matthew P Price 1, Rachael Thomas 2, Mathew Breen 2, Allison R Kendall 3, Shelly L Vaden 1

Background
Polypoid cystitis (PC) is a proliferative inflammatory condition of the urinary bladder that can mimic neoplasia, particularly transitional cell carcinoma, in dogs. Despite its recognition, PC remains poorly characterized in terms of clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging, and outcomes. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of clinical, imaging, and histopathologic features of PC in dogs and to identify factors influencing treatment outcomes.

Methods
A retrospective review was performed on 112 dogs with histologically confirmed PC from five veterinary centers. Data included signalment, clinical signs, diagnostic imaging findings (ultrasound, cystoscopy), urine culture results, treatments administered, and follow-up outcomes. Recurrence was assessed based on repeat imaging or recurrence of clinical signs.

Results
The majority of dogs were older (median age 10 years), with a higher prevalence in females. Common clinical signs included hematuria and pollakiuria. Ultrasound typically showed polypoid masses in the bladder apex or trigone, but imaging could not reliably differentiate PC from neoplasia. Over half the dogs had positive urine cultures, predominantly E. coli. Medical management, often with antibiotics and anti-inflammatories, was initially pursued in most cases. Surgical resection or partial cystectomy was performed in refractory or severe cases. Recurrence was noted in approximately one-third of medically managed dogs. Dogs treated surgically had lower recurrence rates but increased perioperative risks.

Limitations
Retrospective design and variability in treatment approaches limit standardization. Long-term follow-up was not available for all cases, and histopathologic evaluation criteria may have varied slightly among institutions.

Conclusions
PC is a benign but often recurrent bladder condition in dogs that frequently mimics malignancy on imaging. Diagnosis requires histopathology. Medical therapy can be effective but is associated with recurrence; surgical intervention may offer better long-term control. Accurate differentiation from neoplasia is essential to avoid overtreatment.

Disclaimer: The summary generated in this email was created by an AI large language model. Therefore errors may occur. Reading the article is the best way to understand the scholarly work. The figure presented here remains the property of the publisher or author and subject to the applicable copyright agreement. It is reproduced here as an educational work. If you have any questions or concerns about the work presented here, reply to this email.