ENTERIC DUPLICATION IN TWO DOGS

Enteric duplication, a developmental malformation of the alimentary tract resulting in juxtaintestinal cyst-like formations, was diagnosed in 2 dogs. The sonographic, gross, and histopathologic characteristics of the malformation reported in people include: a fusion between the wall of the duplication cyst and the adjoining segment of the alimentary tract, a hypoechoic tunica muscularis layer in the outer free wall of the cyst, a shared muscular wall between the cyst and the adjoining normal bowel, and a similar or heterotopic epithelial lining of the lumen of the cyst. Both dogs in this series had characteristic sonographic, gross and histopathologic patterns described for enteric duplication in people. Three adjoining cysts that communicated and shared a common wall with the ileum were present in the first dog. Ectopic gastric mucosa was present in the single cyst that shared a common wall with the jejunum in the second dog. Other abdominal cystic masses may mimic the gross appearance of the duplication cyst and can potentially result in a misdiagnosis of the underlying etiology. Sonographic findings are characteristic for duplication cysts and are the preferred primary diagnostic modality, however, histopathology is warranted to confirm the diagnosis.