Case Study

Flattened adrenals in a FS West Highland Terrier

A spayed female West Highland Terrier dog of unknown age was presented for evaluation of weight loss and loose stools with a history of eating foreign objects. Approximately 6 months prior a gastric foreign body (plush log) had been removed via endoscopy. Recently, the owner’s hearing aid is missing. The only significant abnormality on serum biochemistry is low cholesterol.

DX

Flattened adrenals

Sonographic Differential Diagnosis

If a baseline cortisol level is less than 2, a full ACTH stimulation would be recommended given the subnormal width of the adrenal glands, flattened contour and the breed’s predisposition to Addison’s disease.

Image Interpretation

The left adrenal gland measured 1.45 x 0.4 cm and was slightly subnormal in width. Screening for Addison’s disease would be recommended. The right adrenal gland measured 1.68 x 0.39 cm (subnormal in width) and had a slightly flattened contour.

Outcome

The ACTH was normal.

Comments

No video is available on this patient.

Clinical Differential Diagnosis

Gastrointestinal disease (foreign body, stricture, perforation with focal peritonitis, IBD), pancreatic disease (exocrine pancreatitic insufficiency)

Sampling

None

Patient Information

Patient Name : Tallulah C

Gender : Female, Spayed

Species : Canine

Type of Imaging : Ultrasound

Status : Complete

Liz Wuz Here : Yes

Code : 07_00081

Clinical Signs

Concern for FB Ingestion
Soft stool
Weight loss

History

Foreign Body

Images

Blood Chemistry

Cholesterol, Low

Clinical Signs

Concern for FB Ingestion
Soft stool
Weight loss