Veterinary Radiology

Today’s case is a 4 year old Labrador Retriever with a complicated history of heat stroke and pneumonia diagnosed 1 week ago, and respiratory distress and pyothorax with pneumothorax diagnosed yesterday. It’s a challenging thoracic case so take a look and make your own interpretations. Answers will be available on Monday.

[Chronic disseminated intravascular coagulopathy in a dog with lung worm infection.]

Schweiz Arch Tierheilkd. 2009 Jun;151(6):281-6

Authors: Schmitz S, Moritz A

The clinical and laboratory findings in a 1-year-old male Jack Russel Terrier dog with lung worm induced coagulopathy are described. The diagnosis was based upon history, clinical findings, radiography, endoscopy, cytology and laboratory results. The presenting complaint was chronic cough. Radiographically, a diffuse interstitial to bronchial lung pattern was observed. Blood analysis revealed thrombocytopaenia and prolonged coagulation times. Disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) was diagnosed based on D-dimer and fibrinogen measurements, and by thrombelastogram results. After stabilisation of the patient, bronchoscopy with a bronchoalveolar lavage was performed, where large amounts of lung worm larvae were found cytologically. After treatment with fresh frozen plasma and fenbendazole, coagulation parameters improved and the cough resolved.

PMID: 19496048 [PubMed - in process]

Related Articles

Sacral osteochondrosis in two German Shepherd Dogs.

Aust Vet J. 2009 Jun;87(6):249-52

Authors: Mathis K, Havlicek M, Beck J, Eaton-Wells R, Park F

Two young adult male castrated German Shepherd Dogs were referred for evaluation of intermittent episodes of hindlimb pain. Physical examination suggested lumbosacral stenosis, and plain radiographs and computed tomography revealed lesions consistent with sacral osteochondrosis. One dog had osteochondral fragments removed surgically; the other was managed conservatively. The surgically treated dog had complete resolution of clinical signs whereas the dog managed conservatively had repeated episodes of mild pain and received one short course of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication in 18 months. Sacral osteochondrosis has not been previously reported in Australia.

PMID: 19489784 [PubMed - in process]