Case Study

03_00202 Blue D LSA

A 9-year-old MN English Pointer dog was presented for decreased appetite, weight loss, lethargy, and halitosis. Physical examination findings were generalized muscle wasting and slightly pale mucous membranes. The only abnormality on urinalysis was trace proteinuria, which on UPC was borderline proteinuric. Abnormalities on CBC were anemia and thrombocytopenia. The patient was treated with Prednisone pending an ultrasound.

A 9-year-old MN English Pointer dog was presented for decreased appetite, weight loss, lethargy, and halitosis. Physical examination findings were generalized muscle wasting and slightly pale mucous membranes. The only abnormality on urinalysis was trace proteinuria, which on UPC was borderline proteinuric. Abnormalities on CBC were anemia and thrombocytopenia. The patient was treated with Prednisone pending an ultrasound.

Sonographic Differential Diagnosis

Mast cell disease, lymphoma or reactive hepatopathy and hypersplenism are suspected.

Image Interpretation

The liver was swollen in contour with thickened gallbladder. The common bile duct was normal. A minor amount of ascites was noted. The spleen was uniformly enlarged with relatively uniform parenchyma without evidence of masses. The capsule was mildly swollen. this is most consistent with hypersplenism and reactive hyperplasia deriving from splenic white or red pulp. However, early infiltrative disease, such as lymphoma or mast cell neoplasia can, at times, present in this manner. US-guided FNA would be best in order to ensure only reactive hyperplasia is present.