Case Study

Intestinal mast cell tumor, diagnosed on US-guided FNA, in a 12 year old MN Golden Retriever

A 12-year-old MN Golden Retriever dog was presented for the evaluation of anorexia and weight loss (18% weight loss within a two week period.) On physical examination, a large mass was palpated in the abdomen. No abnormalities were noted on the CBC, but the serum biochemical profile showed hypocalcemia, decreased CK, and decreased magnesium.

A 12-year-old MN Golden Retriever dog was presented for the evaluation of anorexia and weight loss (18% weight loss within a two week period.) On physical examination, a large mass was palpated in the abdomen. No abnormalities were noted on the CBC, but the serum biochemical profile showed hypocalcemia, decreased CK, and decreased magnesium.

DX

Intestinal mast cell tumor

Sonographic Differential Diagnosis

Intestinal mass suggestive of lymphosarcoma, mast cell tumor, carcinoma, or complex inflammatory disease with transmural penetration.

Image Interpretation

A large intestinal wall mass was present, consistent with infiltrative intestinal disease. Loss of mural detail, excessive wall thickness, and lack of peristalsis meets neoplastic criteria. The lesion, if similar patterns are not present elsewhere in the GI tract, appears resectable.

Outcome

The owner declined chemotherapy, and the patient was humanely euthanized due to his poor response to symptomatic treatment

Clinical Differential Diagnosis

Neoplasia (lymphoma, adenocarcinoma, mast cell tumor, leiomyoma, leiomyosarcoma), foreign body, granuloma or abscess.

Sampling

20 gauge and 22 gauge US-guided fine needle aspirates were performed of the mural portion of the intestinal mass revealing intestinal mast cell neoplasia.