Case Study

15_00050 Hawthorne K Rt auricular mass Feb 2010 COM

An 11-year-old MN Golden retriever was presented for evaluation of lethargy and decreased appetite. Abnormalities on physical examination were lethargy and pulse deficits. Rectal temperature was normal. 4DX test showed a weak positive result for Anaplasma. On survey thoracic radiographs, pleural effusion was evident.

An 11-year-old MN Golden retriever was presented for evaluation of lethargy and decreased appetite. Abnormalities on physical examination were lethargy and pulse deficits. Rectal temperature was normal. 4DX test showed a weak positive result for Anaplasma. On survey thoracic radiographs, pleural effusion was evident.

Sonographic Differential Diagnosis

Progressed right auricular mass largely occupying the pericardium with mild pericardial effusion. Subnormal contractility. Tachyarrhythmia.

Image Interpretation

The cardiac presentation revealed an 8.7 x 7.75cm right auricular mass with mild pericardial effusion and tachyarrhythmia noted. No overt tamponade was noted. Internal volume to the heart appeared normal with subnormal contractility.

DX

Right auricular mass occupying the pericardium with mild pericardial effusion.

Outcome

Immediately after the pericardial effusion was drained, the patient was started on Doxorubicin therapy. He responded well to therapy and finished out five treatments of Doxorubicin. After more than three months the patient was reported to be doing well. Current therapy was omega-3 fatty acid supplement and NSAIDS.

Clinical Differential Diagnosis

Cardiac disease: dilated cardiomyopathy. Pericardial effusion: idiopathic, neoplasia Pleural space disease: neoplasia. Diaphragmatic hernia, pyothorax, chylothorax, hemothorax hypoproteinemia mediastinal obstruction/mass. Lung disease: parapneumonic effusion. Lung lobe torsion.