Case Study

Colonic wall thickening in a 14 year old MN DSH cat

A 14-year-old MN DSH was presented for anorexia, vomiting, and weight loss. On physical examination icterus was evident. On survey radiographs of the abdomen, a radiopaque structure was evident in the cranial abdomen whereas thoracic radiographs were within normal limits.

A 14-year-old MN DSH was presented for anorexia, vomiting, and weight loss. On physical examination icterus was evident. On survey radiographs of the abdomen, a radiopaque structure was evident in the cranial abdomen whereas thoracic radiographs were within normal limits.

Sonographic Differential Diagnosis

Emerging peritonitis. Foreign body tethered at the ileocecal junction and likely concurrent mural disease , granulomatous or neoplastic.

Image Interpretation

The upper gastrointestinal tract was largely normal in this patient. However, the distal jejunum demonstrated some luminal material that continued into the ileocecal region where a 3.0 cm annular enlargement with a 1.3 cm mural thickening is seen. This appeared partially obstructive. There was stool material that was impacted into most of the transverse and descending colon. Reactive omentum was noted around this annular lesion.

DX

Annular, proximal, colonic lesion with partial obstructed pattern

Outcome

None available

Comments

Ileocecocolic resection would be recommended

Clinical Differential Diagnosis

GI pathology – gastric foreign body, obstruction. Liver pathology – neoplasia, abscess, bile duct obstruction. Pancreatic pathology – neoplasia, cyst. Renal pathology – neoplasia, pyelonephritis, hydronephrosis.

Sampling

The patient was treated with Mirtazapine, Cerenia, and IV fluids, which resulted in a slight improvement in the appetite but there was ongoing vomiting. Laparotomy was recommended but the owner elected for euthanasia.