Case Study

Undifferentiated splenic sarcoma in a 14 year old MN Beagle

A 14-year-old MN beagle dog was presented with a history of vomiting. On physical examination a large palpable abdominal mass was present, which was confirmed on survey radiographs of abdomen. A lateral thoracic radiograph was within normal limits. Abnormalities on CBC and serum chemistry were anemia, leukocytosis, neutrophilia, hypoalbuminemia, hyponatremia, and elevated ALP activity and amylase.

A 14-year-old MN beagle dog was presented with a history of vomiting. On physical examination a large palpable abdominal mass was present, which was confirmed on survey radiographs of abdomen. A lateral thoracic radiograph was within normal limits. Abnormalities on CBC and serum chemistry were anemia, leukocytosis, neutrophilia, hypoalbuminemia, hyponatremia, and elevated ALP activity and amylase.

DX

Undifferentiated splenic sarcoma

Sonographic Differential Diagnosis

12 cm cavitated splenic mass, potentially hemangiosarcoma or hematoma.

Image Interpretation

The abdomen in this patient presented a 12+ cm cavitated mass that was deriving from the caudal pole of the spleen with a 1 cm isthmus from the normal spleen into the mass. Omental adhesions were noted. Some involvement of the pancreas may be present. Quick review of the cardiac presentation revealed no evidence of metastatic disease.

Outcome

A splenectomy was performed on the pet. It was noted that the mass was attached to the head of the spleen. It was complex, and there were adhesions to the omentum. The histology of the splenic mass revealed an undifferentiated sarcoma. The pet recovered from surgery well. He was sent home with pain medications and antibiotics. He experienced a few episodes of vomiting a week after surgery. The vomiting resolved after the pet was treated with Cerenia.

Clinical Differential Diagnosis

Abdominal mass – neoplasia, cyst, abscess or granuloma of any of the following organs: spleen, liver, kidney, lymph node, mesentery, or GI tract, splenic torsion/hypersplenism, GI tract obstruction, hydronephrosis.