Case Study

RAD – Chronic/intermittent bronchitis with tracheitis in a 14 year old FS Dachshund dog

This 14 year old FS Dachshund dog had an episode at home of gagging, inability to stand and uncoordination. Had been advisedby rDVM that she has a “hind and spinal issue”. Inappropriate urination.

CBC:Eos low, platelets low

Chem: BUN high 31, Glob slightluy low 2.4

CBC:Eos low, platelets low

Chem: BUN high 31, Glob slightluy low 2.4

Image Interpretation

3 view thoracic rads – Osseous structures:
S-shaped conformation of the ribs are seen commonly in chondrodystrophic dogs.
Moderate degenerative changes are associated with the axial skeleton. Mild
osteoarthritic changes of the shoulders are noted.
Intrathoracic structures:
The lung volume appears to be normal. Multiple mineralized bronchial walls with
peribronchial cuffing are seen. Multifocal mild cylindrical bronchiectasis is noted.
The cardiac silhouette covers 3.5 intercostal spaces in width and is mildly elongated.
Mild elevation of the trachea is noted. The caudal contour of the heart is rounded.
However, there is no obvious atrial tenting.The pulmonary vasculature is thin. The caudal vena cava is thin. There is no evidence
of hyperperfusion of the lung or cardiogenic pulmonary edema.
The cervical trachea is mildly irregular in width with an undulating course of its dorsal
wall.

DX

• Moderate chronic bronchial pattern. • Hypovolemia with underperfusion of the lung. • Mild leftsided cardiomegaly without evidence of congestive heart failure.

Outcome

The findings are consistent with chronic/intermittent bronchitis which may be allergic
or infectious – such as viral, bacterial, parasitic – in origin. However tracheitis (and
laryngitis) should be considered here as well for the tracheal changes and as a possible
cause of the gagging. Indirect signs of current respiratory distress, such as aerophagia,
are not obvious on the radiographs. Correlate with the physical emxamination and
laboratory changes to define the clinical significance of the changes noted

Patient Information

Patient Name : Emmy McGowan

Gender : Female, Spayed

Species : Canine

Type of Imaging : Ultrasound

Status : Complete

Liz Wuz Here : Yes

Clinical Signs

Gagging

Images

Blood Chemistry

BUN high

CBC

Eosinophils, Low
Platelet Count, Low

Clinical Signs

Gagging