Case Study

Distal small intestinal mass with obstructive pattern in a 14 year old MN Golden Retriever

This 14 year old MN Golden Retriever dog has a history of diarrhea and weight loss for the past 8 months. Multiple fecals negative.

DX

Distal small intestinal mass with obstructive pattern. Possible, concurrent foreign matter. Nodular hyperplasia hepatic pattern. Bilateral renal pelvic dilation, potential concurrent urinary tract. Mild to moderate, chronic renal changes

Image Interpretation

The liver revealed multiple, isoechoic, nodular changes. Mild, capsular expansion was noted. This is subjectively most consistent with nodular hyperplasia. The upper gastrointestinal tract was unremarkable other than retention of chyme in the small intestine. This was followed by empty small intestine. Concurrent foreign matter may also be present. A 4.5 x 3.8 cm, mixed, hypoechoic and moderately complex intestinal mass was noted. This appears potentially resectable with minor, reactive surrounding fat. The mass is annular and obstructive.

Outcome

I recommend exploratory surgery with expectations towards resection and
anastomosis. Concurrent liver biopsy is warranted at that time as well as urine culture.
Differentials include intestinal carcinoma versus leiomyosarcoma or focal lymphoma
with a minor potential for granulomatous disease.