This 11-year-old neutered male DSH cat was presented for acute vomiting and lethargy over a 24 hour period with a long term history of eating plants and string. The physical exam was unremarkable without abdominal pain or fever. The CBC demonstrated mild leukocytosis with a left shift. The blood chemistry analysis revealed only mildly elevated ALT and mildly elevated blood glucose.
This 11-year-old neutered male DSH cat was presented for acute vomiting and lethargy over a 24 hour period with a long term history of eating plants and string. The physical exam was unremarkable without abdominal pain or fever. The CBC demonstrated mild leukocytosis with a left shift. The blood chemistry analysis revealed only mildly elevated ALT and mildly elevated blood glucose.
Case Study
Regional necrotizing septic serositis in an 11 year old MN DSH cat
Sonographic Differential Diagnosis
Severe inflammatory disease and neoplasia are both differentials.
Image Interpretation
There is a segment of small bowel which is moderately to markedly thick walled. Subtle loss of wall layering is also noted throughout the segment.
DX
Outcome
The patient responded well and was eating and defecating normally 3 days post-op. A recurrence of vomiting and lethargy occurred at day 7 post-op. The owner selected euthanasia due to financial concerns.
Comments
No video is available on this patient.
Clinical Differential Diagnosis
Dietary indiscretion with foreign body or plant ingestion, pancreatitis, IBD, GI obstruction, neoplasia, peritonitis.
Sampling
Exploratory surgery was performed primarily oriented toward intestinal resection with intestinal and pancreatic biopsies and the possibility of perforated intestine given the free fluid present. Blackened necrotic intestines, partial intussusception, acute pancreatitis and peritonitis were visualized during the exploratory laparotomy. Histopathology revealed regional necrotizing septic serositis, pancreatitis and ulcerative enteritis. No evidence of neoplasia was seen.
Patient Information
Clinical Signs
- Concern for FB Ingestion
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
Exam Finding
- Abdominal Pain
- Fever
Images
Blood Chemistry
- ALT (SGPT), High
- Glucose, High
CBC
- Left Shift
- WBC, High
Clinical Signs
- Concern for FB Ingestion
- Lethargy
- Vomiting