Case Study

Left thyroid carcinoma in a 9 year old MN Plotthound

A 9-year-old male neutered Plotthound dog was presented for evaluation of polyuria, polydypsia, and occasional loose stool. Abnormalities on CBC and serum biochemistry included mild anemia, mild leukopenia, mildly increased ionized calcium, and mild azotemia. T4 was within reference range at 4.4.

A 9-year-old male neutered Plotthound dog was presented for evaluation of polyuria, polydypsia, and occasional loose stool. Abnormalities on CBC and serum biochemistry included mild anemia, mild leukopenia, mildly increased ionized calcium, and mild azotemia. T4 was within reference range at 4.4.

Sonographic Differential Diagnosis

Left thyroid mass which is strongly suggestive of carcinoma and appears to be resectable. Normal right lobe. Recommend surgical oncological consult in this case.

Image Interpretation

The thyroid region in this patient was imaged and the left thyroid revealed a large cystic and strongly mineralized mass that measured 5 x 3 cm and appears to be resectable. The right thyroid was uniform at 2.7 x 0.4 cm with minor areas of remodeling. No overt associated lymphadenopathy was visible on this approach.

DX

Thyroid carcinoma, left lobe

Outcome

The patient had unilateral thyroid and parathyroid removed. The patient did very well. The patient is currently doing well, although has not gained weight.

Clinical Differential Diagnosis

Hypercalcemia – hypercalcemia of malignancy (lymphoma, anal sac carcinoma, soft tissue sarcomas), renal disease, thyroid carcinoma, granulomatous disease.

Sampling

Histology of the left thyroid gland revealed a multilobular compact and follicular carcinoma with capsule/capsular vessel invasion. Parathyroid was present within the excised tissue.