Scirrhous adenocarcinoma in a 10 year old MN Miniature Schnauzer dog

Case Study

Scirrhous adenocarcinoma in a 10 year old MN Miniature Schnauzer dog

A 10-year-old MN miniature Schnauzer presented for pre-dental screening. Physical examination revealed only mild jaundice in this asymptomatic patient. CBC and blood chemistry analysis revealed moderately elevated bilirubin, elevated SAP, and elevated ALT levels. Urinalysis revealed mild bilirubinuria.

A 10-year-old MN miniature Schnauzer presented for pre-dental screening. Physical examination revealed only mild jaundice in this asymptomatic patient. CBC and blood chemistry analysis revealed moderately elevated bilirubin, elevated SAP, and elevated ALT levels. Urinalysis revealed mild bilirubinuria.

Sonographic Differential Diagnosis

The nodule characteristics are supportive of nodular fibrosis secondary to a benign chronic or prior inflammatory process. However, hepatomegaly with a hypoechoic parenchyma is supportive of an acute inflammatory or neoplastic process.

Image Interpretation

Long-axis view of the left liver reveals generalized hepatic enlargement with rounded serosal margins. The parenchyma is diffusely hypoechoic. An ill-defined, 4-cm, hyperechoic nodule is present within the left liver.

DX

Scirrhous adenocarcinoma, portal lymphoplasmacytic hepatitis, and vacuolar hepatopathy

Outcome

The patient was euthanized humanely owing to a lack of therapeutic response.

Comments

No video available on this patient.

Clinical Differential Diagnosis

Liver pathology: Biliary obstruction/mucocele, hepatitis, neoplasia, posthepatic obstruction; Pancreatic pathology: pancreatitis

Sampling

US-guided FNA revealed only vacuolar hepatopathy, whereas laparoscopic biopsy revealed cirrhous adenocarcinoma, portal lymphoplasmacytic hepatitis, and vacuolar hepatopathy. Biopsies were essential after cursory FNA results did not justify the symptoms of the patient.

Patient Information

Patient Name : Razzle P
Gender : Male, Neutered
Species : Canine
Type of Imaging : Ultrasound
Status : Complete
Liz Wuz Here : Yes
Code : 03_00088

Exam Finding

  • Icterus

Images

03-00088_image_01_06122011064024

Blood Chemistry

  • Alkaline Phosphatase (SAP), High
  • ALT (SGPT), High
  • Total Bilirubin, High

Urinalysi

  • Bilirubin Present