Case Study

Chronic Gastritis in a 3 year old MN mixed breed dog

This 3-year-old MN mixed breed dog was presented for persistent vomiting and diarrhea. Physical exam was normal. Blood analysis revealed moderate hypoalbuminemia with mild hypoproteinemia. Repeated stool analyses were normal.

This 3-year-old MN mixed breed dog was presented for persistent vomiting and diarrhea. Physical exam was normal. Blood analysis revealed moderate hypoalbuminemia with mild hypoproteinemia. Repeated stool analyses were normal.

Sonographic Differential Diagnosis

R/O multifocal mucosa mineralization consistent with chronic inflammatory gastropathy. Neoplasia is considered less likely.

Image Interpretation

Marked, circumferential pyloric wall thickening with altered wall layering is present. A majority of the thickening is involving the submucosal layering. Small, pinpoint and linear echogenic foci are associated with the mucosal layer.

DX

Stomach and duodenum: mild superficial chronic lymphoplasmacytic gastritis

Outcome

Full thickness biopsies may have revealed more dramatic changes since the majority of the sonographic pathology appeared mural in nature. The patient responded well to a protocol involving tapering prednisone, metronidazole, and canned i/d in a frequent low bulk feeding regimen. Four month follow-up demonstrated normal albumen and protein levels and excellent body condition.

Clinical Differential Diagnosis

GI pathology- Protein losing enteropathy, lymphangiectasia, gastroenteritis, IBD, chronic foreign body, intussusception; Pancreatic pathology – pancreatitis; Addison’s disease, infectious, toxin, parasitosis.