Intramural tracheal haematoma causing acute respiratory obstruction in a dog

Respiratory obstruction resulting from a discrete haematoma within the dorsal tracheal membrane was seen in an 11-year-old neutered female greyhound that had been involved in a fight two days earlier. There was no history or evidence of rodenticide toxicity or other coagulopathy, and it is suggested that the tracheal haematoma resulted from trauma. A right third intercostal thoracotomy was performed and this allowed resection of the haematoma from within the dorsal membrane of the cranial thoracic trachea, relieving the obstruction with no subsequent signs of dyspnoea. Intramural haematoma should be considered as a rare differential diagnosis for dogs presenting with acute respiratory obstruction.     

Dysuria resulting from an encapsulated haematoma in a recently spayed bitch

A 15-month-old bitch was presented for investigation of a two-month history of dysuria. Clinical signs had developed within one day of routine ovariohysterectomy. A rounded mass was palpable in the caudal abdomen which was shown radiographically to displace and compress the urinary bladder. On ultrasonography, the mass was composed primarily of pockets of hypoechoic fluid divided by hyperechoic septae; blood was obtained on fine-needle aspiration. The mass was surgically removed and the dog regained normal urinary function within a few days. Histopathological examination showed the mass to be an encapsulated haematoma, which is likely to have developed as a result of the ovariohysterectomy.     

Cullen's sign and haemoglobinuria as presenting signs of retroperitoneal haemorrhage in a dog

Haemoglobinuria and periumbilical discoloration (also known as Cullen's sign) are clinical signs uncommonly reported in veterinary patients. This report describes a case of retroperitoneal haemorrhage in a dog, associated with haemoglobinuria and Cullen's sign. To the authors' knowledge, these clinical signs have not previously been reported singularly or in combination with retroperitoneal haemorrhage in dogs. A neutered male Shetland sheepdog, which was presented for haematuria, also had an abdominal mass, abdominal pain and a large area of periumbilical discoloration. Laboratory studies determined that haemoglobinuria was the cause of the red-coloured urine. Abdominal radiographs suggested a splenic mass and a coeliotomy was performed. During the induction and throughout the anaesthetic period the dog was hypertensive and a large haematoma originating from the right retroperitoneal space was identified at surgery. The cause of the haemorrhage was uncertain but a ruptured phaeochromocytoma was thought possible on the basis of the persistent hypertension and the location of the haemorrhage.     

Perirenal expanding haematoma in a cat

A four-year-old, entire male domestic cat was referred for assessment of a large abdominal mass of three-weeks duration. Diagnostic imaging suggested the presence of either splenic neoplasia, an abdominal abscess or haematoma. A coeliotomy was performed and an enlarged, irregular mass, including the left kidney and adrenal gland, was identified. The mass was removed, requiring a left adrenalo-uretero-nephrectomy. The aorta was accidentally punctured during the procedure, resulting in paraplegia. Given a poor prognosis, the owners decided to have the cat euthanased. Histological examination of the mass was characteristic of a chronic expanding haematoma.     

Chronic primary splenic torsion with peritoneal adhesions in a dog: case report and literature review

Primary splenic torsion in dogs is uncommon and can occur in acute or chronic form. The chronic form is difficult to diagnose because the clinical signs are vague and sometimes intermittent. A dog with a history of diaphragmatic hernia repair two years previously presented with chronic, vague clinical signs and an abdominal mass. The mass was revealed to be spleen on ultrasonography. On exploratory laparotomy, the dog was found to have a splenic torsion of approximately 180 degrees with mature, fibrous adhesions retaining the spleen in a torsed position. A splenectomy was performed, and the dog recovered uneventfully with complete resolution of prior clinical signs. Prognosis for dogs with splenic torsion is good, although complications are relatively common.     

Metastatic pattern in dogs with splenic haemangiosarcoma: Clinical implications

A retrospective study was undertaken to characterise the biological behaviour of splenic haemangiosarcoma (HSA) in dogs. Metastatic pattern data for 25 dogs with splenic HSA that were presented for clinical signs relating to splenic lesions (eg, abdominal mass and, or, haemoperitoneum) and had undergone necropsy were analysed. Six of 25 dogs with splenic HSA that were presented for abdominal mass/haemoperitoneum had right atrial HSA. Fifteen of 19 (79 per cent dogs) with splenic HSA associated with abdominal mass/hemoperitoneum without right atrial involvement had disease confined to the peritoneal cavity. The most common metastatic sites in these dogs were liver, omentum and mesentery. Extraperitoneal metastases were seen in four of 19 (21 per cent) dogs without right atrial involvement. Analysis of signalment data of dogs in this series and the literature revealed no differences between dogs with disease confined to the peritoneal cavity and dogs with extraperitoneal metastases. The subjectivity of primary site designation, importance of ante mortem identification of individuals with concurrent right atrial involvement, and need for more aggressive therapy directed at intraperitoneal metastases are discussed.     

Splenic mast cell tumour and mastocytaemia in a cat: case study and literature review

Case: An 11-year-old female domestic shorthaired cat presenting with clinical signs of depression, anorexia, weight loss, fever, anaemia and a mid-abdominal mass was referred for abdominal ultrasound examination.

Clinical findings: Ultrasonography of the abdomen identified a markedly enlarged spleen. Ultrasound-guided fine- needle aspiration biopsy of the spleen revealed a uniform population of mast cells, 11% of which were observed to have phagocytosed erythrocytes. It is speculated that this may have been a contributing factor in the development of anaemia in this case. Mast cells were detected in a peripheral-blood smear and a diagnosis of systemic mastocytosis (splenic mast cell tumour together with mastocytaemia) was made. This diagnosis was subsequently confirmed by histopathology of the spleen.

Conclusion: Splenectomy and treatment with corticosteroids appears to have resulted in remission of clinical signs and anaemia. A reduction in the concentration of mast cells in the peripheral blood had not occurred 6 weeks post- splenectomy, but was evident by 10 months post-splenectomy.     

Splenic mast cell tumour and mastocytaemia in a cat: case study and literature review

CASE: An 11-year-old female domestic shorthaired cat presenting with clinical signs of depression, anorexia, weight loss, fever, anaemia and a mid-abdominal mass was referred for abdominal ultrasound examination. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Ultrasonography of the abdomen identified a markedly enlarged spleen. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the spleen revealed a uniform population of mast cells, 11% of which were observed to have phagocytosed erythrocytes. It is speculated that this may have been a contributing factor in the development of anaemia in this case. Mast cells were detected in a peripheral-blood smear and a diagnosis of systemic mastocytosis (splenic mast cell tumour together with mastocytaemia) was made. This diagnosis was subsequently confirmed by histopathology of the spleen. CONCLUSION: Splenectomy and treatment with corticosteroids appears to have resulted in remission of clinical signs and anaemia. A reduction in the concentration of mast cells in the peripheral blood had not occurred 6 weeks postsplenectomy, but was evident by 10 months post-splenectomy.     

A review of Pathological diagnoses made from 87 canine splenic biopsies

The pathological findings in 87 cases of canine splenic abnormality recognised clinically by abdominal palpation or radiography, or at exploratory laparotomy, are presented. The most common diagnosis was of splenic neoplasia (n = 38) and the most frequently recognised canine splenic neoplasm was haemangiosarcoma (17 of 38 cases). Benign splenic enlargement secondary to nodular hyperplasia (n = 6), haematoma (n = 16) or non-specific changes including congestion, haemorrhage, extramedullary haemopoiesis and haemosiderin deposition (n = 14) was also recognised. A diagnosis of non-specific pathology was more frequently recorded when portions of spleen, as opposed to the entire organ, were submitted for assessment. Splenic infarction, with (n = 3) or without (n = 7) torsion, abscessation (n = 2) and focal mast cell proliferation (n = 1) accounted for the remainder of the cases. Clinical follow-up was available for 35 cases and revealed good long-term survival in cases of splenic haematoma or haemangioma, with relatively poor survival with a diagnosis of splenic haemangiosarcoma or anaplastic sarcoma. A range of splenic disorders was recognised in dogs of the labrador breed (16 of 87 cases) and three of 17 cases of haemangiosarcoma occurred in German shepherd dogs. The possible predisposition of dogs of these breeds to splenic disorders is discussed.     

Successful treatment of intra‐abdominal eumycotic mycetoma caused by Penicillium duponti in a dog

A 2‐year‐old female neutered golden retriever was presented for investigation of an intra‐abdominal mass. Computed tomography revealed a mass associated with the caudal pole of the right kidney. Incisional biopsy findings were consistent with eumycotic mycetoma. The mass was subsequently removed in conjunction with right ureteronephrectomy. Two years later, the dog re‐presented with a splenic mass and fungal plaques located throughout the peritoneum. Splenectomy was performed and the mass was diagnosed as eumycotic mycetoma caused by Penicillium duponti. Indefinite systemic treatment with 10 mg/kg itraconazole orally once a day was initiated. Thirty‐two months after the last surgery, there were no clinical signs apart from mild polydipsia. Haematology and biochemistry results were unremarkable. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of successful treatment of intra‐abdominal eumycotic mycetoma with a combination of surgery and systemic antifungal therapy in the dog. Penicillium duponti has not apparently been reported to cause disease in animals or humans.     

Acute haemoabdomen associated with Angiostrongylus vasoruminfection in a dog: a case report

A one-year-old intact female, Danish shorthaired pointer was referred to the emergency service with a history of acute collapse and pale mucous membranes after a month of reduced activity but with no other clinical signs. An ultrasound examination of the abdomen indicated the presence of a large amount of free fluid with no obvious cause such as neoplasia or splenic rupture. Fluid analysis had the macroscopic appearance of blood with no signs of infection or neoplasia. Multiple Angiostrongylus vasorum L1 larvae were revealed on a direct rectal faecal smear. The dog was treated with fenbendazole 25 mg/kg orally once daily for 20 days and given supportive treatment. The dog was stabilised on this treatment. Haemoabdomen is a clinical sign where surgical intervention is often considered an integral part of the diagnostic investigation (i.e., laparotomy) or treatment. Failing to make the diagnosis of canine angiostrongylosis before performing surgery may have a serious adverse affect on the outcome. Consequently, in areas where A. vasorum is enzootic, a Baermann test and a direct faecal smear should be included in the initial diagnostic investigation of all dogs presenting with bleeding disorders of unknown origin.     

Diagnosis and surgical treatment of a primary splenic torsion in a domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo)

A 4-year-old female spayed domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo) presented with a history of vomiting over 24 hours. On physical examination, a significantly enlarged, firm spleen was palpated. Abdominal radiographs and abdominal ultrasound were suggestive of a splenic torsion or splenic infarction. An exploratory laparotomy confirmed the initial diagnosis and splenectomy was performed using a vessel sealing device. Histologic evaluation and culture of the spleen were consistent with primary torsion without evidence of infection or neoplasia. The patient recovered from surgery without complications. Based on a literature search, this is the first report of the clinical diagnosis and successful surgical treatment of a primary splenic torsion in a ferret. Although it appears to be a rare and potentially life-threatening disease in ferrets, splenic torsion should be considered as a differential diagnosis in ferrets that present with non-specific signs and a palpably enlarged spleen.     

Urethral haemangiosarcoma in a boxer

A seven-year-old, entire female boxer presented with a history of restless behaviour and inappetence. Physical examination revealed that the dog was listless and had a hunched gait. Neurological examination was normal. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a 4 cm x 4 cm mass in the cranial pelvic canal. Neurological abnormalities were detected three days after presentation, and progressed from proprioceptive deficits to loss of deep pain sensation in the pelvic limbs over a two-day period. The dog was euthanased and postmortem examination revealed that the pelvic mass was a urethral haemangiosarcoma with metastasis to the second lumbar vertebra. This case is unusual as urethral tumours are usually transitional cell carcinomas and frequently present with signs of dysuria.     

Renal pelvic rupture,intrapelvic haematoma and retroperitoneal haemorrhage associated with obstructive ureterolithiasis in a cat

A neutered female cat presented with a 9-day history of hyporexia and depression. The referring veterinarian had identified moderate non-regenerative anaemia, haematuria and suspected unilateral obstructive ureterolithiasis. Subsequent ultrasonography revealed moderate distension of the left renal pelvis with echogenic material, ureteral distension and ureterolithiasis. A partial ureteral obstruction was suspected. After 4 days of medical management, there was further distension of the renal pelvis with well-delineated echogenic material and an accumulation of perinephric fluid. A left nephroureterectomy was performed. Renal pelvic rupture with intrapelvic haematoma and retroperitoneal haemorrhage was confirmed by histopathology. Eighteen months following surgery, the cat remained clinically well with normal renal values.     

Haemorrhage in seven cats with suspected anticoagulant rodenticide intoxication

Clinical features were evaluated in seven adult cats (six males, one female) with haemorrhage and presumptive anticoagulant rodenticide intoxication. Haemorrhage appeared as thoracic haemorrhage, otic bleeding, haematoma, melena, haematochezia, and petechiation. The most common other presenting signs were lethargy, anorexia, and tachypnoea or dyspnoea. Six cats were anaemic, four cats were mildly thrombocytopenic (58000-161000/ microL), and three had slightly decreased plasma protein or albumin values. The prothrombin time (30.3->100 s, reference range: 16.5-27.5 s) and activated partial thromboplastin time values (32.6->100 s; reference range: 14-25 s) were markedly prolonged in all cats. All cats received vitamin K(1)subcutaneously or orally (3.7-5 mg/kg body weight initially) and depending on severity of signs five cats were transfused with fresh whole blood. Plasma coagulation times improved in all cats and returned to normal in 1-5 days. Rodenticide poisons represent an important but relatively rare cause of haemorrhage in cats and can be effectively treated.     

Unusual presentation of splenic myelolipoma in a dog

A 13-year-old dog was presented with clinical signs of anemia, vomiting, weight loss, and progressive abdominal distension. Abdominal ultrasonography and radiography revealed a large mass, which was removed surgically. Cytologic and histologic evaluation of the mass revealed a mixture of fat and hematopoietic tissue, consistent with a splenic myelolipoma.     

Comparative aspects and clinical outcomes of canine renal hemangiosarcoma

BACKGROUND: Hemangiosarcoma (HSA) is a common solid tumor of the spleen, heart, and skin of dogs. Renal HSA represents an uncommon anatomic variant, with little reported about its biologic behavior and clinical outcome. HYPOTHESIS: That renal HSA is associated with longer survival than other visceral forms of HSA. ANIMALS: 14 dogs with renal HSA. METHODS: Medical records from 1999 to 2004 were searched for dogs with histopathologically confirmed renal HSA, and data relevant to clinical signs, treatments, and outcomes were abstracted. RESULTS: Clinical signs were nonspecific, and the median duration of clinical signs before diagnosis was 60 days. Two dogs presented in cardiovascular collapse secondary to hemoperitoneum. Common hematologic and biochemical abnormalities were anemia (9/14), hematuria (7/14), and proteinuria (7/14). One dog had pulmonary metastasis at diagnosis. All dogs had evidence of a renal mass visualized by abdominal radiography (14/14), ultrasound (9/14), or both. All dogs underwent nephrectomy, and 4/14 dogs also received adjunctive chemotherapy. Median survival time of all dogs was 278 days (range 0-1,005 days), and dogs with hemoperitoneum had significantly shorter survival times than dogs without hemoperitoneum (62 days versus 286 days, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: These results indicate that hemoperitoneum and distant metastasis at diagnosis appear to occur less frequently in dogs with renal HSA compared with other visceral forms of HSA. Furthermore, dogs with renal HSA have protracted disease progression, with improved 1-year survival rates and longer median survival time compared to dogs with splenic, cardiac, and retroperitoneal HSA.     

Biclonal gammopathy associated with immunoglobulin A in a dog with multiple myeloma

A 10-year-old neutered male Airedale Terrier was evaluated for inappetance, weight loss, and lameness. Multiple myeloma was diagnosed based on bone marrow plasmacytosis, multiple lytic bone lesions, and hyperglobulinemia with a clonal gammopathy on serum protein electrophoresis. Splenic plasmacytosis, and retinal lesions consistent with hyperviscosity syndrome also were found. Temporary responses to 2 different chemotherapy protocols (melphalan and prednisone, and cyclophosphamide and prednisone) were seen, with remission of clinical signs and a decrease in the biclonal gammopathy but no resolution of the splenic mass. Eventual return of clinical signs led to euthanasia at 175 days postdiagnosis. Necropsy examination confirmed multiple myeloma involving bone marrow and spleen, and glomerulonephritis. An immunoglobulin-A (IgA) gammopathy was demonstrated by immunoelectrophoresis; biclonality was ascertained by immunofixation electrophoresis. The clonal components consisted of intact Ig with a heavy chain of the a class and a light chain of undetermined class. To our knowledge, this is the first report of undimerized biclonal gammopathy in a dog caused by a single heavy chain class involving IgA.     

Gamna‐Gandy bodies: a case of mistaken identity in the spleen of a cat

A 4‐year‐old, female spayed Domestic Shorthair cat was presented for a 2‐day history of lethargy, anorexia, and vomiting. Diagnostic assessments revealed a severe, regenerative anemia and the presence of a solitary, 3 × 4 cm splenic mass. Cytologic examination of fine‐needle aspirates of the splenic mass showed sheets of pleomorphic histiocytic cells with numerous intracellular and extracellular, negatively staining to deeply basophilic, branching structures. These structures were typically of thin uniform thickness with random angled branching that formed geometrical shapes and fragments, occasionally with sharpened ends and a crystalline appearance. Septal‐like divisions were irregularly spaced along some of the linear branches. The cytology was interpreted as a probable histiocytic inflammatory response to the unidentified foreign material with histiocytic sarcoma as a differential diagnosis. Histopathologic evaluation of the splenic mass resulted in a diagnosis of histiocytic sarcoma. The branching material stained positively for both iron and calcium, indicating that the material was compatible with Gamna‐Gandy bodies present secondary to tumor‐associated hemorrhage and the formation of calcium–iron complexes.