Case Study

Pancreatic carcinoma; neoplasia in a 14 year old FS DSH cat

This 14-year-old FS DSH was presented for lethargy and vomiting. The physical exam revealed icterus, dehydration, and emaciation with thickened bowel loops and irregularly shaped kidneys on palpation. The CBC revealed only elevated absolute monocytosis while blood chemistry results revealed a markedly elevated ALT, markedly elevated lipase, and markedly elevated total bilirubin, with moderate azotemia, hyperglycemia and low T4. Urinalysis findings included 3+ bilirubinuria, spec gravity of 1.032, and cocci bacteria.

This 14-year-old FS DSH was presented for lethargy and vomiting. The physical exam revealed icterus, dehydration, and emaciation with thickened bowel loops and irregularly shaped kidneys on palpation. The CBC revealed only elevated absolute monocytosis while blood chemistry results revealed a markedly elevated ALT, markedly elevated lipase, and markedly elevated total bilirubin, with moderate azotemia, hyperglycemia and low T4. Urinalysis findings included 3+ bilirubinuria, spec gravity of 1.032, and cocci bacteria.

Sonographic Differential Diagnosis

Pancreatic mass compatible with neoplasia such as adenocarcinoma.

Image Interpretation

An irregularly shaped, discretely marginated, hypoechoic mass with evidence of septation is visible within the left limb of the pancreas.

DX

Pancreatic carcinoma with moderate chronic active inflammation.

Outcome

The patient was euthanized due to poor prognosis and poor response to therapy.

Clinical Differential Diagnosis

Primary hepatic disease- cholangitis, pancreatitis with extrahepatic biliary obstruction, neoplasia, other causes of bile duct obstruction, IBD, infectious disease.