Case Study

Jejunal Adenocarcinoma in a 6 year old MN German Shepherd mix dog

This 6-year-old MN Shepherd cross presented for a gradual 22 pound weight loss and one episode of diarrhea. Appetite was conserved. Physical examination revealed focal, mild cranial abdominal pain associated with a palpable mass. Blood analysis demonstrated mild hypoalbuminemia and mild leukocytosis with a left shift.

This 6-year-old MN Shepherd cross presented for a gradual 22 pound weight loss and one episode of diarrhea. Appetite was conserved. Physical examination revealed focal, mild cranial abdominal pain associated with a palpable mass. Blood analysis demonstrated mild hypoalbuminemia and mild leukocytosis with a left shift.

DX

Jejunal adenocarcinoma

Sonographic Differential Diagnosis

Partially obstructing annular jejunal wall mass with proximal mechanical ileus.

Image Interpretation

Symmetrical annular wall thickening with complete loss of mural detail is present within a segment of small bowel. The intestines proximal to the mural mass are moderately distended with echogenic chyme.

Outcome

The patient recovered well postoperatively and was discharged. Six days later the patient presented with ascites and straw colored clear fluid. The owner declined further treatment and the patient was euthanized.

Clinical Differential Diagnosis

GI pathology – Neoplasia, foreign body, intussusception, complicated IBD; pancreatic pathology – pancreatitis; liver pathology – hepatic mass.

Sampling

Exploratory surgery and intestinal resection of the mass and adhesions revealed jejunal adenocarcinoma. Intestinal borders were normal at resection and histopathological review.