Case Study

Gastroenteritis in a 5 year old MN Miniature Dachshund dog

A 5-year-old MN Miniature Dachshund was presented for vomiting and anorexia for 3 days. On physical examination the patient was depressed, dehydrated, and tachycardic. The only abnormality on CBC was elevated hematocrit. Blood chemistry, canine Spec cPL, and survey thoracic radiographs were all within normal limits. Abdominal radiographs showed no obvious foreign body, but the duodenum did appear distended on the V/D view. The patient was treated with I.V. fluids, Cerenia, Baytril, and Pepcid.

A 5-year-old MN Miniature Dachshund was presented for vomiting and anorexia for 3 days. On physical examination the patient was depressed, dehydrated, and tachycardic. The only abnormality on CBC was elevated hematocrit. Blood chemistry, canine Spec cPL, and survey thoracic radiographs were all within normal limits. Abdominal radiographs showed no obvious foreign body, but the duodenum did appear distended on the V/D view. The patient was treated with I.V. fluids, Cerenia, Baytril, and Pepcid.

Sonographic Differential Diagnosis

acute gastritis, possible infiltrative disease such as IBD or Lymphoma

Image Interpretation

The gastrointestinal tract was exemplified by a uniform hypoechoic muscularis/mucosal pattern without evidence of obvious obstruction or focal masses. Some mildly echogenic ingesta was present mixed with primarily anechoic fluid which was considered excessive due to irritation.

DX

Gastroenteritis

Outcome

72 hours later the patient was discharged with Baytril, Cerenia, and I/D diet.

Comments

Abnormalities on urinalysis were 1+ proteinuria, 2+ bilirubinuria, and 3+ hematuria, and elevated urine microalbumin. Urine culture was advised. The patient was recommended for gastrointestinal protocol therapy, namely broad-spectrum antibiotics, gastrointestinal protectants, fluid therapy, and hypoallergenic diet.