Case Study

Inflamed gallbladder mucocele and splenic mass in a 11 year old FS Staffordshire Terrier

This 11 year old FS Staffordshire Terrier dog presented with vomiting and anorexia.

Physical exam: icteric, tender on abdominal palpation

CBC/Chem: High WBC 32.13 ( 6-17) High Neutr.28.59 ( 3-12), left shift. Low HCT 26.88 ( 37-55), High Plt. High ALT ( higher then 2000), High ALP 2152 ( 20-150), High total bilirubin 79 ( 2-10 ) High BUN 12.1, High Creatinine 134

This 11 year old FS Staffordshire Terrier dog presented with vomiting and anorexia.

Physical exam: icteric, tender on abdominal palpation

DX

Splenic mass and inflamed gallbladder mucocele.

Image Interpretation

The spleen presented a moderately complex mass that was deriving from the caudal pole. This appears isolated. There was no evidence of rupture noted. The liver revealed mildly increased portal markings. This is consistent with concurrent inflammatory hepatopathy. Vascular and biliary tracts were of normal volume and no evidence of congestion was noted. The gallbladder presented mucocele formation with over distension with suspended, immobile and striating bile. Pericapsular inflammatorypattern was noted around the gallbladder mucocele. This is a surgical emergency. The common bile duct was not overtly visible owing to the inflammatory pattern associated with the gallbladder.

Outcome

Three view chest radiographs are recommended, and echocardiogram to screen for right
auricular cardiac disease followed by splenectomy and cholecystectomy. Common bile
duct lavage would be warranted. Differentials of the splenic mass include hematoma,
hemangiosarcoma or a degenerative process.