Case Study

RAD – Enteritis/colitis of unknown etiology in a 12 year old FS Shih Tzu dog

This is a 12 year old FS Shih Tzu dog persented for diarrhea (watery, no frank blood) and hyporexia of 3 days duration. No vomiting. Heart disease stable, couging has improved. Meds include pimobendan, lasix, benazepril, spironolactone, hydrocodone, metoclopramide, mirtazapine, prilosec.

Image Interpretation

Rads of abdomen – There is good abdominal detail. The stomach contains a moderate volume of
amorphous soft tissue opacity material, typical of food. The colon is gas-filled with no
fecal material present. Small intestines contain gas and fluid, as well as
conglomerations of gas bubbles. Intestinal diameter is normal and no radiopaque
foreign material is identified. There is no plication noted. The liver and spleen,
kidneys, retroperitoneal space, urinary bladder, and area of the pancreas are normal.
No skeletal abnormalities are noted. The caudal thoracic structures are normal.

DX

Radiographic impression of enteritis/colitis. A cause is not determined.

Outcome

If lab work is normal and clinical signs do not quickly respond to symptomatic
therapy, consider fecal analysis and cytology, as well as abdominal ultrasound for
more critical evaluation of the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas.