Case Study

RAD – Chronic or intermittent incomplete small bowel obstruction at ileocaecal junction in a 9 year old MN Labrador Retriever

This 9 year old MN Labrador Retriever presented with vomiting and ADR, seems uncomfortable in abdomen

DX

The findings are suggestive for a chronic or intermittent distal small bowel subileus, possible level with the ileocecocolic junction

Image Interpretation

Rads of thorax and abdomen –

thorax: The lung parenchyma shows a moderate generalized bronchointerstitial lung pattern with bronchial wall mineralization and doughnuts. There is a large amount of mediastinal fat. The heart appears to be in a centralized position, due to the marked fat deposition (incidental finding).

abdomen: The ileum appears to be dilated with gas and a focal accumulation of opaque granular material (gravel sign). The ascending and transverse colon are in a cranial position and contain a moderate amount of gas and inspissated fecal matter. The descending colon contains a mild amount of fecal matter.

Outcome

Possible chronic or intermittent incomplete distal small bowel obstruction
(subileus at the ileocaecal junction); Moderate broncho-interstitial lung pattern; Mild spondylosis deforming; obesity
The cause of the obstruction may be mechanical or functional either. A full abdominal ultrasound is recommended for further definition.
The findings of the lung parenchyma are likely to be incidental and due to a
combination of the lung expiration and normal geriatric changes of the lungs.