Heart base mass in an 11 year old FS Rhodesian Ridgeback

Case Study

Heart base mass in an 11 year old FS Rhodesian Ridgeback

An 11-year-old spayed female Rhodesian Ridgeback dog was presented for a history of lethargy. Abnormalities on CBC and blood chemistry included a low RDW and mildly elevated ALT activity. Radiographs showed mild cardiomegaly and multi-focal alveolar lung pattern.

An 11-year-old spayed female Rhodesian Ridgeback dog was presented for a history of lethargy. Abnormalities on CBC and blood chemistry included a low RDW and mildly elevated ALT activity. Radiographs showed mild cardiomegaly and multi-focal alveolar lung pattern.

Sonographic Differential Diagnosis

Heart base mass. Probable hemangiosarcoma, secondary hemopericardium likely.

Image Interpretation

The cardiac presentation in this patient presented a moderate amount of pericardial effusion with tamponade effect. Subnormal volumes were noted. The contractility was adequate, yet somewhat irregular. A 5.5cm mixed, hyperechoic mass was noted at the heart base in the region of the right auricle. This is suspicious for hemangiosarcoma given the position and the breed.

DX

Heart base mass, secondary hemopericardium

Outcome

The patient was humanely euthanized based upon a poor prognosis.

Clinical Differential Diagnosis

Pericardial effusion: idiopathic, neoplasia, pericarditis; Cardiomyopathy: dilated, hypertrophic.

Sampling

Pericardiocentesis revealed hemopericardium. No further testing performed.

Patient Information

Patient Name : Rose G
Gender : Female, Spayed
Species : Canine
Type of Imaging : Ultrasound
Status : Complete
Liz Wuz Here : Yes
Code : 15_00040

Clinical Signs

  • Lethargy

Images

Latthoraxrad_10292012124656VDthoraxrad_10292012124722Heartbasemass_10292012124754

Blood Chemistry

  • ALT (SGPT), High

Clinical Signs

  • Lethargy