Case Study

Lymphoma diagnosed on FNA in the spleen and liver of a 12 year old Golden Retriever dog.

A 12-year-old MN Golden Retriever, with history of arthritis currently on Previcox and Glucosamine, was presented for trouble breathing. On physical examination the patient was laterally recumbent and the abdomen was tense on palpation. Radiographs showed a possible foreign body in the stomach.

DX

Lymphoma

Sonographic Differential Diagnosis

Infiltrative splenic & hepatic disease, such as round cell neoplasia (LSA, MCT, Hystiocytic sarcoma, etc), is most likely. Inflammatory or infectious disease, such as splenitis, hepatitis, fungal disease, or pronounced nodular hyperplasia is considered less likely.

Image Interpretation

The liver and spleen in this patient presented a diffuse, micronodular “honeycomb” type appearance with microcystic changes and multiple, small, enlarged target lesions. Periportal lymphadenopathy was also noted.

Outcome

The patient was treated with Benadryl, Dexamethasone SP, and Prednisone, and the owners advised to start the Madison-Wisconsin chemotherapeutic protocol. The patient received one dose of Vincristine and was discharged with Metronidazole and Pepcid but died at home 24 hours later.

Clinical Differential Diagnosis

Gastrointestinal disease – torsion, obstruction (foreign body/neoplasia), intestinal perforation. Peritonitis. Hepatic disease – hepatitis, neoplasia. Ruptured splenic/hepatic neoplasia. Splenic torsion. Cardiac disease – cardiomyopathy, myocarditis.