Case Study

RAD – Age-related thoracic changes; chronic intervertebral disc degeneration and possible herniation in a 9 year old FS Pitbull dog

The patient is a 9 year old FS Pitbull with a 3 day history of lethargy and decreased appetite. Has not eaten in 24 hours, decreased water intake. Seems almost ataxic or weak to the owner at home, overall very depressed. Hx of allergies that are controlled.

Physical Exam: Depressed, Temp 101.9. MM pink/slightly tacky. cardiac wnl, lungs wnl on auscultation. BCS 5/9. No abdominal discomfort on palpation. Walking normally x 4 in room but is much less energetic than usual.

CBC/chem pending

Image Interpretation

Right lateral and VD thorax, right lateral abdomen – Osseous structures:
Overall mild degenerative changes were associated with the axial skeleton including
moderate spondylosis at T9/10, L4/5 and L7/S1. The intervertebral disc space L4/5
was narrow.
Intrathoracic structures:
The degree of inspiration was fair.
The trachea, mediastinum (see picture below) and pleural space were within normal
limits. The lung revealed a moderate generalized bronchointerstitial pattern. The
cardiac silhouette was within normal limits regarding size and shape. The major
vessels and pulmonary vasculature were within normal limits. There was no sign of
vascular congestion.
Intraabdominal structures:
The serosal detail was within normal limits. The liver was small. The spleen was
within normal limits. The kidneys were not completey seen which likely was due to the
superimposition with the gastrointestinal tract. The urinary bladder were within normal
limits. The stomach was within normal limits. The small intestinal loops were non
dilated and of even diameter. The descending colon contained a moderate amount of fecal material and gas. The cranial part of the descending colon curved ventrally. A
mass lesion within the retroperitoneal space was not seen.

DX

The radiographic findings of the thorax are compatible with expected geriatric changes. The findings at the intervertebral space L4/5 are suggestive for chronic intervertebral disc degeneration and herniation.

Outcome

The radigraphs do not support the presence of a cranial mediastinal mass
lesion.
The course of the descending colon is likely to be within normal limits. An orthogonal
view was not availabe for review but a space occupying lesion causing a mass effect on
the colon was not evident and variation in the course of the colon is not uncommon in
general. An ultrasonographic examination would be ideal for detailed assessment of
the retroperitoneal space. But the radiographs do not directly support the presence of a
lesion here. The findings at the intervertebral space L4/5 are suggestive for chronic intervertebral
disc degeneration and herniation. Further definition would require cross sectional
imaging or a myelogram but is only advised if the findings are paralleled by clinical
signs.