Bulbourethral Gland Enlargement in a Tom Cat Associated with Proteus mirabilis and Escherichia coli Infections

Abstract

Introduction: Bulbourethral gland disorders are rarely reported in cats, particularly in association with bacterial urinary tract infections. The present study described a case of bulbourethral gland enlargement in a domestic cat.
Case report: A 2-year-old domestic short-haired tom cat weighing 4.7 kilograms presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Jos, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, with a major complaint of dysuria, vomiting, and inappetence. The clinical evaluation revealed lymphadenopathy, bladder distension, and haematuria. Radiographic findings demonstrated bilateral renomegaly and a distended urinary bladder. The duration of study and therapy was three days. Despite supportive therapy, including 10 mg piroxicam at 0.3 mg/kg intramuscular (IM), lactated Ringer's at 4 mL/kg, 10 mg of furosemide at 2 mg/kg, IM, 2 mg of dexamethasone at 0.2 mg/kg, IM, and 5 mg of metoclopramide at 0.2 mg/kg, IM, the animal died on the third day after presentation, and post-mortem examination revealed marked enlargement of the bulbourethral glands. Bacteriological cultures of blood, urine, and kidney samples yielded isolates of both Proteus mirabilis and Escherichia coli from each sample. Histopathological examination demonstrated glandular hyperplasia with inflammatory cell infiltration in the bulbourethral gland, lungs, and heart muscle.
Conclusion: The present study highlighted the potential role of opportunistic bacterial pathogens in the pathogenesis of bulbourethral gland enlargement and underscored the importance of early diagnosis and intervention in feline lower urinary tract disease.