Laparoscopic cystotomy for removal of a large bladder polyp in a juvenile alpaca with polypoid cystitis.

OBJECTIVE

To describe a method for laparoscopic cystotomy in an alpaca.

STUDY

DESIGN

Case report.

ANIMALS: Female alpaca.

METHODS

An 8-month-old female alpaca was admitted with a 6-week history of straining to urinate and vulvar swelling. Transrectal ultrasound examination revealed a 1.5 x 1.5 x 2 cm polyp within the bladder.

RESULTS

The mass was excised using laparoscopic cystotomy. Leakage from the cystotomy site resolved over 12 days using a Foley catheter. The alpaca was healthy and urinating normally at 9 months after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Minimally invasive surgery by laparoscopic cystotomy can be used to remove large urinary polyps in alpacas.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Urinary bladder polyps should be considered as differential diagnosis in alpacas with stranguria.