Urethral stenting in a dog due to compression and invasion by a liposarcoma

An approximately 10-year-old, mixed breed, entire male dog was referred for acute onset of urethral obstruction. Abdominal ultrasound was unremarkable, complete blood count, serum biochemical analysis and urine analysis were all unremarkable. A retrograde urethrogram demonstrated narrowing of the urethral lumen caudal to the ischiadic arc. Urethral stenting with a self-expanding nitinol stent was performed and the patient was without symptoms over a 6-month period. After that time, ingrowth of tissue into the stent lumen could be seen via a new retrograde urethrogram; therefore, a covered stent was placed into the previously placed uncovered stent. Clinical signs resolved immediately. Another contrast study 4 months later demonstrated almost complete obstruction at the distal end of the stent. Scrotal ablation with perineal urethrostomy was performed and tissue samples submitted for histopathology. Liposarcoma was diagnosed. The patient was urinating without problems, but suddenly died at home 1 week after the last surgery.