A Case A Week for Vets

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Email@BangaVet.com (BangaVet.com) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 05:05:00 +0000

Dear Readers,

Greetings!

Presently we are not adding new cases to this site. We have rearranged the site to make it easy to use. On the right side is a List of Cases, you can click on any case you want to go through. The solution for case can be viewed from a link (Solution to this case will be posted on mm/dd/yy) in the end of each case. No other link to the solutions is provided in this site so as to 'force' the readers to see the case before the solution. If anyone just stumble on any posting for Solution of Case they can see the case before solution by clicking a link provided in beginning of each solution.

Please note that the cases in the list on right hand side are numbered, whereas cases in actual postings have been dated as per the week they were posted (i.e. mm/dd/yy).

Thanks to all the readers for giving good response to our posted cases.

For more interactive sites please visit Dr Banga's Websites page on Facebook.

Best wishes

Drs Saul and Banga

Solution for case 2/23/09

Email@BangaVet.com (BangaVet.com) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0000

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Tentative Diagnosis: Parvovirus infection

Differentials:

Coronavirus infection
Bacterial gastroenteritis
Foreign body
Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis
Intussusceptions
Intestinal parasites
Toxins

Further diagnostic tests:

ELISA for Parvovirus
Fecal exam
Radiograph

ELISA was positive for this patient and as this patient had no recent history of Parvo-vaccination the test was a true positive.

ELISA can have false negatives and false positives for Parvo. False positives are because of recent vaccination which was not in this case. Supporting the diagnosis of Parvo is the leukopenia which is very commonly seen in Parvo generally due to a neutropenia. It is often common to have an azotemia (increased BUN and Creatine) with Parvo. Icterus can also be associated with Parvo but not commonly.

Parvo is a highly contagious disease and positive dogs should be kept in isolation.

Complications to be aware of are sepsis, shock, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, intussusception, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Sepsis prevented by administering antibiotics. Shock and DIC are prevented by fluid therapy. Intussusceptions must be monitored for by doing abdominal palpation and possibly radiographs. These puppies are at a high risk of this because of the hypermotility of the gut.

Treatment and management: There is no cure for Parvo only palliative treatment.

Lactated Ringers solution and antibiotics (Ampicillin and Enrofloxacin) were administered to the patient. Hetastarch was also added to the fluids because of the decrease of Total Protein to compensate for the decrease in oncotic pressure. Metaclopramide was also given to stop vomiting. Nothing per os was prescribed for 24 hr. Once infected and recovered, animals will be immune for life.

Case for week 2/23/09

Email@BangaVet.com (BangaVet.com) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Presentation: A 6 week old intact female puppy was presented to AcaseAweek Clinic for vomiting, bloody diarrhea and anorexia for last two days.

Physical Exam:

Quiet Alert and Responsive.
Membranes were jaundiced.
Otherwise Physical Exam was unremarkable.

CBC:

HCT 17.8% (37-55)
HGB 6.5 g/dl (12-18)
MCHC 36.5 g/dl (30-36.9)
WBC 2.4 x109/L (6.0-16.9)
Gran 1.8 x109/L (3.3-12)
PLTs 48 x109 /L (175-500)

Chemistry:

ALKP 841 U/L (46-337)
ALT 10 U/L (8-75)
BUN 102 mg/dl (7-29)
Crea 2.6 mg/dl (0.3-1.2)
Glu 365 mg/dl (77-150)
TP 4.7g/dl (4.8-7.2)

What is your tentative diagnosis?

What are the differentials for this case?

What diagnostic tests will you perform to confirm your diagnosis?

How will you treat and manage this case?

Solution to this case will be posted on 2/27/09.

Solution for case 2/16/09

Email@BangaVet.com (BangaVet.com) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0000

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Radiographic findings:

On thoracic radiographs, increased opacity was noted in the ventral portion of the thorax. The opacity, characteristic of fluid seemed to fill up the chest half way, moving the lungs in to the dorsal part of the thorax. The lung lobes were easily visualized due to the fluid surrounding them.

Tentative diagnosis: Pleural effusion.

Further diagnostic tests: Thoracocentasis, cytology, chemistry.

Pleural effusion is an accumulation of fluid in the space between the membrane encasing the lung and that lining the thoracic cavity. The normal pleural space contains only a small amount of fluid to prevent friction as the lung expands and deflates. There are several types of fluids that can accumulate in the pleural space including; transudate, modified transudate, nonseptic exudates, septic exudates, chylous exudates, and hemorrhagic.

Transudate is colorless/ pale yellow clear fluid with protein <1.5g/dl class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">caused by hypoproteinemia and rarely early chronic heart failure.

Modified transudate is yellow/pink in color, clear to cloudy fluid with a protein count of 1.5-3.0g/dl and a nucleated cell count of 1,000-5,000/µl. Predominant cells found on cytology are macrophages, mesothelial cells, and possibly neoplastic cells. Modified transudate can develop with the diseases: chronic heart failure, neoplasia, and diaphragmatic hernia.

Nonseptic exudate is yellow/pink in color, clear to cloudy fluid with a protein count of 2.5-6.0 g/dl and a nucleated cell count of 1,000-20,000/µl. Predominant cells found on cytology are non-degenerate neutrophils, macrophages, and possibly neoplastic cells. Fibrin can also be found on cytology. The disease processes causing nonseptic exudates are neoplasia, diaphragmatic hernia, and lung lobe torsion (also FIP in cats).

Septic exudates is yellow/red-brown in color, cloudy to opaque fluid with a protein count of 3.0-7.0 g/dl and a nucleated cell count of 5,000-3000,000/µl. Predominant cells found on cytology are degenerated neutrophils and macrophages. Bacteria and fibrin are also found on cytology. Septic exudates is caused by septic pleuritis and called pyothorax.

Hemorrhagic exudates is a red opaque fluid with a protein count >3.0 g/dl the nucleated cell count is the same as peripheral blood and on cytology RBC’s, WBC’s and fibrin will be found. Hemothorax is caused by trauma, hemostatic disorders, and neoplasia.

Chylous exudate is a milky white opaque fluid with a protein count of 2.5-6.0 g/dl with a nucleated cell count of 500-20,000/µl. The major cells seen on cytology are small mature lymphocytes, with chronicity neutrophils and macrophages can be found. Chylothorax can be caused by an obstructed duct, ruptured duct, chronic right sided heart failure, neoplasia, and heartworm disease.

Chyle can be differentiated from pseudochyle by comparing the triglyceride and cholesterol levels of the exudates to the patient’s serum. Chyle will have a higher triglyceride level and lower cholesterol level than the patients serum while pseudochlye would be opposite with a lower triglyceride level and higher cholesterol level than the patients serum.

Treatment and management:

Thoracocentesis was performed which yielded 1700ml of a chyle like fluid that was whitish pink in color. Post-thoracocentesis radiographs were taken as shown below (click on the image to enlarge):

The treatments suggested for a chylothorax are; thoracentesis, identify and treat underlying cause, chest tubes (only for patients with chylothorax secondary to trauma with rapid accumulation or after surgery), and with unsuccessful medical management surgery is considered. The surgery suggested is a thoracic duct ligation and pericardectomy, if this is not successful pleuroperitoneal or pleurovenous shunts and can be considered.

A change in diet could help; a low fat diet may decrease the amount of fat in the effusion, which may allow the patient to resorb the fluid from the thoracic cavity easier. The prognosis is guarded on these patients therefore euthanasia is often performed on the patients that do not respond to medical or surgical treatment.

The patient was cage rested and monitored for respiratory distress with thoracentesis performed to keep the patient comfortable.

Case for week 2/16/09

Email@BangaVet.com (BangaVet.com) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Presentation:

A 2-year-old intact male, mix-breed dog was presented to AcaseAweek Clinic with history of loss of appetite for 2 weeks duration, rapid weight loss, labored breathing, and lethargy. The patient lives in an outdoor/enclosed area. Vaccines are overdue and the patient was de-wormed two months ago with fenbendazole. The patient is not on heartworm prevention. His diet consists of dried kibble mixed with rice fed once daily in the morning.

Physical exam:

BAR
Weight 14.3kg.
Temp: 102.3oF
HR/PR: 140
RR: 40
CRT <2>
MM: pink and moist
Body score: 2/5
Patient showed respiratory distress with mild inspiratory effort, had shallow breathing but no open mouth breathing. The patients lung sounds were decreased ventrally.
Heart sounds were muffled. Abdominal and rectal palpation revealed no abnormalities.

CBC and Chemistry: All values fell within normal limits. The snap test for heartworms, lyme, and ehrlichia was negative. Thoracic radiographs were taken as shown below (click on image to enlarge):

What are the radiographic findings?

What is tentative diagnosis?

What further diagnostic tests will you perform to confirm your diagnosis?

How will you treat and manage this case?

Solution to this case will be posted on 2/20/09.

Solution for case 2/9/09

Email@BangaVet.com (BangaVet.com) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0000

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Radiographs: Nephrolith found in renal pelvis of the left kidney.

Diagnosis: Calculi in renal pelvis and secondary cystitis.

Further diagnostic tests:

Ultrasound: Shadow effect from left kidney pelvis suggested of mineralized material present.
Urine Culture and Sensitivity: Proteus and Klebsiella cultured, both sensitive to Clavamox.

Urolithiasis:

The etiology of urolith formation is multifactorial including concurrent urinary tract infection, diet, intestinal absorption, urine volume and frequency, drugs, and genetics. Nephroliths are often asymptomatic unless the patient has a concurrent pyelonephritis. Nephrotomy is indicated for removal of nephrolith.

Cystitis:

The urine had an alkaline pH which favours the formation of struvite crystals. Proteus species are urease producing bacteria which cause the pH of urine to increase thus favouring the conditions for struvite crystal formation.

Treatment and management:

Antibiotic therapy (Clavamox) was initiated and after 3 weeks urinalysis showed that the numbers of bacteria had decreased to few and there was a marked decrease in the amount of blood in the urine showing a positive response to therapy.
The patient’s diet was changed to Hill’s S/D to acidify urine to prevent recurrence and dissolve crystals in urine.
After 3 weeks of antibiotic course, Nephrotomy was performed to remove the urolith from renal pelvis of left kidney.
The patient was continued on another 3 weeks on Clavamox.
Repeat CBC and urinalysis after one month.
Owner advised to monitor the patient at home for stranguria, hematuria, dysuria, appetite and attitude.

Case for week 2/9/09

Email@BangaVet.com (BangaVet.com) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Presentation:

A 9 year old spayed female poodle was presented to AcaseAweek Clinic with a one month history of bloody urine which has progressively gotten worse in the past 2 weeks. The owner claims to have seen blood clots passed in the urine recently. The patient has not been eating well for the past 2 days and has vomited 4 times in the past 24 hours. Animal is unvaccinated and has no history of flea or heartworm prevention. Dog is fed home-made food.

Physical exam:

Weight: 7.04 kg
Temperature: 105.2 F
Pulse: 112 bpm
RR: 54
MM: pale
CRT: 2 sec

Complete Blood Count:

Hct: 27% (37-55)
RBC: 5.2 x109/L (5.5-8.5)
Hb: 10.3 g/dL (12-18)
WBC: 3.2 x 109/L (6-16.9)
Grans: 1.7 x 109/L (3.3-12)
PLT: 374 x 109/L (175-500)
TP: 9 g/dL (5.2-8.2)
nRBC : 1%

Biochemistry Profile:

AP: 65 U/L (23-212)
ALT: 35 U/L (10-100)
Glob: 4.9 g/dL (2.5-4.5)
Alb: 2.6g/dL (2.7-3.7)
BUN 33 mg/dL (7-27)
CREA 1.3 mg/dL (0.5-1.8)

Urinalysis:

Colour: Red
Odour: Strong
Turbidity: 3+
G: 1.019
pH: 8.5
Glucose: -ve
Bilirubin: -ve
Ketones: -ve
Protein: 4+
Blood: 3+
RBC: 3+
WBC: 3+
Squamous: few
Transitional epi: -ve
Tubular epi: -ve
Bacteria: 3+
Casts: -ve
Crystals: 2+ (struvite)

Abdominal radiographs were taken as shown below (click on the image to enlarge):

What are radiographic findings?

What is your diagnosis?

What further diagnostic tests will you perform?

How will you treat and manage this case?

Solution to this case will be posted on 2/13/09.

Solution for Case 2/2/09

Email@BangaVet.com (BangaVet.com) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0000

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Radiographs show reverse ‘D’ appearance of heart on VD/DV views. Enlargement of right ventricle on lateral view. Enlargement of main pulmonary artery and tortuous appearance of pulmonary arteries.

Diagnosis: Heartworm disease

Differentials for the signs presented:

Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Congestive Heart Failure (Right-sided)

Further diagnostic tests:

Heartworm snap test
Echocardiography
CBC, Chemistry and urinalysis.

Radiographic findings are suggestive of heartworm disease. 2/6 Right AV systolic murmur may be due to heartworm disease. Other causes of the murmur could be dilated cardiomyopathy or congestive heart failure. Murmurs are caused by turbulent blood flow through the heart and vessels, a grade 2 murmur is a faint murmur restricted to a localized area.

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is an acquired disease characterized by progressive loss of cardiac contractility, ultimately leading to both left and right-sided congestive heart failure. It was ruled out based on radiographic findings.

Congestive heart failure (CHF) results in pulmonary edema (left-sided heart failure) or ascites (right-sided heart failure). With DCM and CHF, tachycardia is usually present. The absence of pulmonary edema and/or ascites rule out dilated cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure.

Definitive diagnosis is heartworm disease based on thoracic radiographs and a positive heartworm test.

Treatment:

Prednisone 0.5mg/kg PO EOD for 10 days to combat any inflammation and as preventative for pulmonary thromboembolism.
Immiticide treatment- alternative dosing: 1 injection of Melarsomine HCL 2.5mg/kg deep IM, repeat injection in 1 month with 2 injections 24 hours apart.
A month after the third injection, give heartworm prevention.
Heartworm test 4 months after second set of immiticide injections.
Monitor for pulmonary thromboembolism, possibly administer anticoagulants.
Strict cage rest while being treated.
Monitor heart rate, respiration and attitude.

Case for week 2/2/09

Email@BangaVet.com (BangaVet.com) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Presentation: 3 year old, spayed female mixbreed canine was presented to AcaseAweek Clinic for occasional coughing and exercise intolerance of one month duration. The patient is not upto date on vaccinations and is not on any flea/tick/heartworm prevention.

Physical exam:

Weight: 18.8kg
BCS: 2.5/5
T: 102.0 F
P: 120
R: panting
CRT: <>
MM: pink and moist
Reactive lymph nodes
Heart- 2/6 Right AV systolic murmur

Thoracic Radiographs (VD, DV and Right Lateral) were taken as shown (Click on the image to enlarge):

What are the radiographic findings and diagnosis?

What are differentials for the signs presented?

What further diagnostic tests will you perform?

How will you treat and manage this case?

Solution to this case will be posted on 2/6/09.

Solution for Case 1/26/09

Email@BangaVet.com (BangaVet.com) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0000

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Radiographic findings: Complete fracture of caudal aspect of L6 and ventral displacement of caudal part of L6 and L7. Complete fracture of the left wing of the ilium. A lateral and VD radiographs of thoracic vertebrae were also taken and all appeared unremarkable.

Diagnosis: Spinal cord trauma due to Fracture of L6/L7 (UMN damage to the spinal cord).

Differentials for the signs presented:

Lumbar or sacral spinal trauma
Trauma and fracture of any portion of pelvis

Treatment: Establish an IV catheter and place on twice the maintenance at 4ml/kg/hr fluid rate with lactated ringer solution. Administer buprenophine 0.2mg/kg IV for pain. Treatment options are spinal surgery and devices such as a doggie carts along with possible complications of urinary and fecal incontinence. After all diagnostics were evaluated, all the treatment options including euthanasia were discussed with the owner and the patient was euthanized with pentobarbital (390mg/kg).

Case for week 1/26/09

Email@BangaVet.com (BangaVet.com) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Presentation:

A 9 to 10 month old intact female, mixbreed was presented to AcaseAweek Clinic around 2:30pm after being hit by a car approximately 6:40am that morning. Owner said that the patient started biting at her vulva and so blood was seen around the vulva and mouth. The patient was in lateral recumbency and manual manipulation was painful.

Physical exam:

Weight = 10kg,
TPR all WNL,
MM pink
CRT<2 >
EENT all normal
Thoracic auscultation was nonremarkable.
A mild lymphadenopathy was noted in all lymph nodes.
When palpating the caudal vertebrae an obvious defect of the vertebrae could be felt just cranial to the sacrum.

Neurological exam: Hyperreflexia in both right and left hindlimbs. Withdrawl reflex was absent in both. Ischial groove reflex of the left hindlimb produces a reflex in the right limb that was hyperreflexive. Anus was flaccid and showed no tone.

Radiographs of lumbosacral and pelvis region were taken as shown below (Click on image to enlarge):

What are the radiographic findings and diagnosis?

What are differentials for the signs presented?

How will you treat and manage this case?

Solution to this case will be posted on 1/30/09.

Solution for case 1/19/09

Email@BangaVet.com (BangaVet.com) — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0000

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Radiographic findings: Thoracic radiographs showed a valentine shaped heart with significant generalized cardiomegaly and enlarged pulmonary arteries and veins. Abdominal radiographs showed homogenous soft tissue opacities with little visceral details which strongly suggest the presence of a significant amount fluid in the abdomen.

Tentative diagnosis: Congestive heart failure (Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy).

Differentials:

Heartworm
Restrictive and Dilated cardiomyopathy
Hyperthyroidism
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP)
Feline asthma

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is common in the cat and is characterized by concentric ventricular hypertrophy in which the ventricular walls become thickened. The heart pumps well but cannot relax well during diastole. In addition, the thickening of the ventricles results in malorientation of the AV valves so the cat may develop mitral regurgitation. The cat may also develop dynamic aortic outflow obstruction secondary to the systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve.

Cat was positive for heartworm, and can be further confirmed by ultrasound which is more reliable in cats.

This patient is suffering from ascites and dyspnea secondary to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy complicated by heartworm disease. Thorax radiograph showed enlarged pulmonary arteries and veins which may be supportive of heartworm disease.

Two possible differentials are dilated cardiomyopathy caused by a taurine deficiency and restrictive cardiomyopathy caused by fibrosis of the endocardium, myocardium, or subendocardial tissues. These can be differentiated from HCM because dilated cardiomyopathy is rare since most cat foods are supplemented with taurine and restrictive cardiomyopathy usually shows enlargement of one or both atria and not a generalized hypertrophy.

A T4 test was done to rule out hyperthyroidism.

In FIP we will see presence of an exudate aspirated from the abdomen as well as an inflammatory CBC.

There was no eosinophilia present in the CBC to support a diagnosis of feline asthma; however, eosinophils in a transtracheal lavage would be more diagnostic.

Treatment:

Due to the dyspnea, the patient was immediately started on oxygen therapy with a pulse oximeter and oxygen levels increased from 80% to 98% oxygen saturation. A catheter was placed, IV fluids were started.

The patient was placed on furosamide (10mg IV twice a day) and diltiazem (10 mg/kg PO q24h) (Ca channel blocker) to treat the hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, pulmonary edema, and ascites. Fluid therapy was continued at twice the maintenance dose (2-3ml/kg/h) for 4 days.

Client education: The patient needs to be on daily heart medications for the rest of its life. Heartworm preventative needs to be given monthly to help prevent the heartworm disease from getting worse.

Case for week 1/19/09

Email@BangaVet.com (BangaVet.com) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Presentation:
A 20 yr old neutered male Siamese cat was presented to the AcaseAweek clinic for dyspnea, anorexia, and lethargy. The cat was brought in by people who were watching it while the owners have been away. Vaccination and heartworm prevention status’s are both unknown.

Physical exam:
Weight: 4.5kg
T: 101.2 F
P: 220
R:60
Mouth: severe odontoclastic resorptive lesions and gingivitis
Auscultation: Severe gallop rhythm with grade III systolic murmur with PMI greatest over the LAV valve, respiratory sounds: crackles.
Abdominal palpation: very distended with a fluid wave. No masses were palpated.
Musculoskeletal: Generalized Weakness
General appearance: depressed, dyspneic, weak

CBC and chemistry panel were unremarkable except a mildly elevated BUN and creatinine.

ELISA snap test was positive for heartworm.

Abdominocentesis cytology revealed an obstructive transudate that was mildly cellular, containing mostly round, mesothelial type cells with some neutrophils and few lymphocytes.

Once the cat was stabilized, thoracic and abdominal radiographs were taken and are shown below:

What are the radiographic findings?
What is your diagnosis?
Give differentials for your diagnosis.
How will you treat and manage this case?

Solution to this case will be posted on 1/23/09

Solution for case 1/12/09

Email@BangaVet.com (BangaVet.com) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0000

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Radiographic findings:

Skull radiographs showed massive loss of turbinate bones. Loss of alveolar bone on the maxillary side, showing clear tooth roots.

Tentative diagnosis: Tumor (Nasal adenocarcinoma)

Further tests: Nasal biopsy histopathology/cytology, rhinoscopy, bacterial cultures, fungal cultures, nasal swab/lavage, thoracic radiographs.

Differentials:

Bacterial sinusitis
Aspergillosis
Trauma
Tooth root abscess
Foreign body
Coagulopathy

Nasal tumors are rare but found primarily in long-nose breeds. Adenocarcinoma is most common nasal tumors in dogs. The average age for the onset of canine nasal tumors is seven years. The clinical signs typically associated with nasal tumors are sneezing, nasal discharge, epistaxis, exophthalmia, facial swelling, nasolacrimal duct obstruction and, sometimes, neurological disturbances. Deformation of the facial bone, hard palate, or maxillary dental arcade may be visible. These signs are non-specific since they mimic bacterial or mycotic rhinitis, sinusitis, dental diseases, nasal trauma or foreign bodies lodged in the upper respiratory tract. Definitive diagnosis of nasal tumors is achieved by cytology or histopathology. However, the final diagnosis is generally reached at a time when the tumor is already in an advanced stage, and has invaded adjacent nasal structures or more distant organs, such as the brain. The prognosis is generally poor as most nasal tumors are malignant. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy can prolong survival rates and improve the quality of life of dogs. Without treatment, the survival following diagnosis of nasal tumors is usually only a few months.

Aspergillosis, in dogs, is typically localized to the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses and is usually caused by infection with A fumigatus. Nasal aspergillosis is seen mainly in dolichocephalic breeds. It begins in the posterior region of the ventral maxilloturbinate with signs of lethargy, nasal pain, ulceration of the nares, sneezing, unilateral or bilateral sanguinopurulent nasal discharge, frontal sinus osteomyelitis, and epistaxis. Gross lesions vary considerably with site of infection, but a layer of gray-black necrotic material and fungal growth may cover the mucosa of the nasal and paranasal sinuses. The mucosa and the underlying bone may be necrotic with loss of bone definition on radiographs.

Treatment: The patient was given Cefazolin 500mg (5ml) three times a day. A triple antibiotic ointment was also used when discharge was cleaned off. Tissue biopsy confirmed the adenocarcinoma. As it was a rescued animal, owned opted for euthanasia. If not euthanized we can go for surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, but prognosis is poor.

Case for week 1/12/09

Email@BangaVet.com (BangaVet.com) — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Presentation: A 3-6 year old intact male pothound canine, rescued with unknown history, was presented at AcaseAweek Clinic for castration. The only abnormality he had was unilateral mucous ocular and nasal discharge from the left side. While at the clinic, patient’s condition worsened over a weekend time. The ocular discharge became mucopurelent and the nasal discharge became bloody. His overall demeanor declined as his condition worsened.

Physical exam was performed, and besides the obvious nasal and ocular discharge he was physically sound. Nose was painful on palpation.

CRT: <2

Weight: 19.8 kg

Temp: 100.8°F

HR: 131bpm

RR: 22rpm

Auscultation revealed abnormal bilateral lung sounds.

The patient was tested for both ehrlichia and heartworm, testing positive for ehrlichia.

Blood chemistry and CBC values fell within normal limits except for Hct (30.5%), HGB (10.6g/dl), EOS (3.1 x 10), GLOB (6.3g/dL), and TP (9.0g/dL).

Under general anesthesia, radiographs were taken as shown below:

What are the radiographic findings?
What is your tentative diagnosis?
Give list of differentials for your tentative diagnosis.
How will you treat and manage this case?

Solution to this case will be posted on 1/16/09

Solution for case 1/5/09

Email@BangaVet.com (BangaVet.com) — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0000

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Radiographs show radiopaque foreign body (FB) in pharyngeal region (indicated by green lined boxes/areas).

Differentials for the signs presented:

Rabies
FB
Toxin ingestion
Esophageal stricture
Laryngitis
Congential/Acquired esophageal weakness
Cricopharyngeal Achalasia
Pharyngeal Dysphagia
Esophageal neoplasia

Rabies should always be suspected in all the cases of hypersalivation, dyaphagia and FB.

Esophageal stricture (cicatrix) can form from a prior esophagitis (e.g., subsequent to foreign bodies or severe gastroesophageal reflux) of any cause.

Laryngitis was ruled out due to lack of cough on palpation.

Congenital/Acquired esophageal weakness usually present with regurgitation with or without weight loss and were ruled out from the radiographic findings.

Cricopharyngeal achalasia is usually congenital and there is an incoordination between the cricopharyngeus muscle and the rest of the swallowing reflex which produces an obstruction at the cricopharngeal sphincter during swallowing.

Pharyngeal dysphagia is an acquired disorder related to myopathies, neuropathies and junctionopathies and the inability to form a normal food bolus. This would present most often in an older animal with regurgitation associated with swallowing.

Esophageal neoplasia such as primary sarcomas (due to Spirocerca lupi), primary carcinomas, leiomyomas/sarcomas were ruled out due to the age of the patient and toxin was ruled out due to the absence of more severe clinical signs.

Treatment and Management:

Surgical removal of the bone foreign body was decided to be the best treatment for this patient. The patient was sedated with 3mg/kg Propofol intravenously. Her oral cavity was evaluated with a laryngoscope and the FB was removed with alligator forceps. The FB was positively identified as fish bone vertebrae. The patient was given 2mg/kg ketoprofen subcutaneously for pain management and to reduce esophageal inflammation. After recovering from anesthesia puppy was offered some soft food which she ate immediately.

The patient was given Clavamox 15 mg/kg bid for 7 days and advised the owner to feed the puppy soft diet for 2 weeks. The patient has now made a full recovery.

Case for week 1/5/09

Email@BangaVet.com (BangaVet.com) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Presentation:

5 month old, intact female pit mix canine was presented to AcaseAweek Clinic with chief complaint of hypersalivation and retching for few hours. Puppy was up to date on vaccination and deworming. Puppy is indoor/outdoor.

Physical exam:

QAR, slightly lethargic
Weight: 6.1kg
Choking and gagging induced by gentle palpation of the laryngeal region
Hypersalivation
MM pink
Abdomen distended
Fleas and ticks present
Waxy debris in both ears

Radiographs of head and neck region were taken as shown below:

Click here for larger image

Give radiographic interpretation.

What is your diagnosis? Give differentials for the signs presented.

How will you treat and manage this case?

Solution to this case will posted on 1/9/09

Solution for case 12/29/08

Email@BangaVet.com (BangaVet.com) — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Happy New Year - 2009 to all our readers ...

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Radiographic interpretation: Lateral radiograph shows the loss of cardiac silhouette and loss of continuity of the diaphragmatic line. Gas filled loops of intestine are seen in the thorax. There are also poor thoracic details on the ventral caudal thorax. On VD view we can see fissure lines on the left thorax suggestive of the pleural effusion. On the right side of thorax we can see loops of gas filled intestine.

Diagnosis: Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia / pleuroperitoneal hernia.

Treatment and management: Surgery to repair the ruptured diaphragm after patient has been stabilized is the treatment of choice. Oxygen should be supplied if animal is dyspenic. If pleural effusion is present, thoracentasis should be performed. If animal is in shock, should be treated first for shock. If stomach is herniated surgery should be done at earliest possible as gastric dilatation may further compromise the respiration. Mortality is higher when surgery is performed within 24 hours or after 1 year of the injury.

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DH - 1

DH - 2

DH - 3

Case for week 12/29/08

Email@BangaVet.com (BangaVet.com) — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

Presentation:

A 6 month old intact male mix breed canine was presented to AcaseAweek Clinic as an emergency after being hit by car (HBC) the previous night. On physical exam the dog was bright, alert and responsive (BAR), has abrasions distal to the hock and on the metatarsal region of both hind limbs. Mild weight bearing lameness on the right hind limb was observed. Radiographs of the abdomen and pelvic region were normal. The abrasions were cleaned and dog was discharged on Rimadyl 25 mg BID for 5 days. Three weeks later the dog was brought to the clinic again with chief complaint of dyspnea and exercise intolerance.

Physical examination:

Temp: 101.5
HR/PR: 96
Respiration: Laboured breathing
Auscultation of thorax revealed muffled heart sounds and harsh lung sounds.

CBC, chemistry and electrolytes were all within normal range.

Thoracic radiographs were taken (lateral and VD view) and are shown below:

Give interpretation of the radiographs.

What is your diagnosis?

How will you treat and manage this case?

Solution for this case will be posted on 1/2/09.

Solution for case 12/22/08

Email@BangaVet.com (BangaVet.com) — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

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Tentative diagnosis: Hepatitis. An increase in AP, ALT and total bilirubin is indicative of liver problems. The mild elevation in total bilirubin explains the slightly yellow mucus membranes. The generalized lymphadenopathy and increased globulins could be indicative of a systemic infection that in this case is affecting primarily the liver, causing hepatitis.

Further diagnostic tests:

Paired serum samples
Serology
Immunofluorescence
Ultrasound
Liver biopsy

Differentials:

Infectious hepatitis: bacterial, fungal or other
Leptospirosis
Granulomatous hepatitis
Toxic hepatopathy
Fulminant infectious disease: parvovirus, canine distemper
Portosystemic shunting

Hepatitis can have many different causes. The main disease suspected to be causing the hepatitis is leptospirosis. Leptospira interrogans serovar Bratislava is very prevalent in the area and is not covered by the leptospirosis vaccine. The vaccine only includes serovars Canicola, Icterohemorrhagiae, Grippotyphosa, and Pomona. No cross protection exists between serovars. The typical clinical signs of leptospirosis are fever, depression, lethargy, anorexia, myalgia, vomiting, lumbar pain from renomegaly and nephritis, icterus, bilirubinuria, cholestasis and/or hepatic necrosis, renal failure. It has been reported that many young dogs suffer more from liver problems and not the kidney when infected with leptospirosis.

Extrahepatic bacterial or fungal infections could also cause hepatitis, but this case was not showing clinical signs of having an infection in other body systems that could have traveled to the liver. However, since the owner was not with the dog during the entire summer the patient could have developed a primary infection, that later traveled to the liver, but at the present time is not evident.

Many hepatotoxins such as high amounts of acetaminophen, aflatoxins, blue-green algae, heavy metals; certain herbicides, fungicides, insecticides and rodenticides could cause liver problems. No ingestion or access to any of these was reported by the owner.

Other causes of hepatitis are Canine Adenovirus-1, but this patient vaccinated. Toxoplasmosis is a rare disease because the body is usually able to eliminate the infection. However some young dogs are not able to control the infection and Toxoplasma tachyzoites invade tissues throughout the body and replicate intracellularly until cells burst, causing necrosis. If the Toxoplasma tachyzoites invade the liver clinical signs associated with hepatitis could be seen.

Canine cholangiohepatitis is rare and associated with ascending biliary tract infections (Salmonella sp., Campylobacter jejuni), choleliths, coccidiosis, and surgery of the biliary tract. Clinical signs include anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, PU/PD, fever, abdominal pain, hyperbilirubinemia and elevated AP and GGT. To make a definitive diagnosis samples should be submitted for aerobic and anaerobic cultures and sensitivity.

Idiopathic hepatic fibrosis is a rare disease in young dogs, usually less than 2 years of age, is not associated with any underlying inflammatory conditions. Clinical signs include ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, portal hypertension, portosystemic shunt, microcytic anemia, elevated AP and ALT and hypoalbuminemia. Microhepatica can be noted on radiographs.

Hepatic amyloidosis is a rare familial disease. Clinical signs include anorexia, PU/PD, vomiting, icterus and hepatomegaly. Diagnosis is made by identifying amyloid deposits in a liver biopsy. Glycogen storage disease is caused by a rare deficiency in glucose-6-phosphatase or in amylo-1,6-glucosidase, this results in a failure of glycogen to be released from the cell. Therefore, glycogen accumulates within the liver and other organs. Enzyme analysis of fresh frozen samples of liver, muscle or skin is needed for diagnosis. Prognosis is poor and most dogs succumb to these diseases at a young age.

Treatment of possible leptospirosis: Administration of 0.9% NaCl fluids IV to prevent dehydration was started along with antibiotic treatment with Ampicillin 500mg orally TID (three times a day). The patient is to be fed three times a day l/d diet in order to prevent any further liver damage and to try to increase body weight. A CBC test is to be repeated in three days to determine if the treatment plan is being effective and assess the health status of the patient.

Need to assess the health and degree of clinical signs in patient's kins. There may be need to look into familial disease.

Case for week 12/22/08

Email@BangaVet.com (BangaVet.com) — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

Presentation:

A six month old, intact, male, mix breed dog (pothound) was presented to AcaseAweek Clinic with a history of anorexia, weight loss and lethargy. The dog has an indoor/outdoor lifestyle, is fed puppy Science Diet, is up to date on its vaccinations and is treated for ectoparasites with Adam’s spray. The owner was away during the summer and upon return found ticks on the dog. There are four other dogs in the household, one of them is showing similar clinical signs and happens to be this patient’s brother.

Physical examination revealed that the patient was mildly depressed, alert and responsive, had a temperature of 100.4ºF, heart rate was 100bpm, respiratory rate was 12bpm and weighted 18.2 kg.

Ears, eyes, nose, throat: mild black, thick, tarry exudate on both ears. No ocular or nasal discharge observed.

Mucus membranes: grey, pale and slightly yellow (icterus). CRT<2>

Lymph nodes: generalized lymphadenopathy.

Laboratory tests:

Snap test: Ehrlichia, Heartworm, Anaplasma and Lyme disease negative.

CBC: unremarkable, except for mild eosinophilia.

Chemistry profile:

AP 1259 U/L (46-337)
ALT 673 U/L (8-75)
Glob: 4.1 g/dL (2.3-3.8)
TBIL: 1.3 g/dL (0.0-0.8)

Urinalysis- unremarkable.

What is your tentative diagnosis? Give list of differentials.

What diagnostic test(s) will you perform to confirm your diagnosis?

How will you treat and manage this case?

Solution to this case will be posted on 12/26/08

Solution for case 12/15/08

Email@BangaVet.com (BangaVet.com) — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

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Radiographs showed that stomach has ingesta in it with some radiopaque materials. Large amount of gas was found in small intestine. Colon was full of fecal material with some radiopaque material.

Tentative diagnosis: Ehrlichea (because of thrombocytopenia) and foreign body in stomach

Further diagnostic tests:

4Dx SNAP test: Heart Worm - negative, Ehrlichea canis + Positive, Anaplasma – negative, Lyme – negative

Coagulation panel: to rule out the rodenticide poisoning.

Ehrlichea: Active infection confirmed by SNAP test, fever and thrombocytopenia are likely responsible for the epistaxis. Epistaxis is the most frequent hemorrhage due to ehrlichea. Increased BUN suggests the possibility of a GI bleed. The Ehrlichea also accounts for the fever and lymphodonopathy. Trauma and rodenticide poisoning are differentials.

Abdominal pain: With a Hx of being fed chicken bones and the multiple opacities in the lower GIT a foreign body (FB) is suggested. The radiographs showed a substantial amount of feces in the large colon with a large amount of gas in the small intestine which may suggest ileus/obstruction from a FB or constipation.

Treatment:

Doxycyline 10mg/kg (88mg) IV SID to treat Ehrlichea.

20cc warm soapy water enema and repeated later in the day to empty the bowel and see if that helps to evacuate the feces from the bowel and resolve the gas and abdominal discomfort. No fluid treatment was done due to the severe anemia.

Day 2:

The patient is QAR and still seems painful in the abdomen. The epistaxis has stopped.

Good appetite with no vomiting.

40cc warm soapy water enema was given but no defecation.

DAY 3:

QAR. Painful around the abdomen, reluctant to move. Pain seems to have become generalized. No further epistaxis.

Good Appetite without vomiting

Urinated on her own but still without defecation. 60cc warm soapy water enema was given, which in 15-20 minutes produced a moderate amount of liquid/soft feces.

PCV = 8%

TP = 6 g/dL

The patient was radiographed again and showed multiple FB in the stomach and increased gas in the small and large intestine as shown in the figure below:

Evening of Day 3

Temperature decreased sharply to 97.9.

Blood transfusion was given very slowly at a rate of 4mL/hr (0.5mL/kg/hr) for 30 minutes while checking TPR, MM, CRT every 5min as to ensure the patient was not having a transfusion reaction of increased respiratory effort, injected MM, or tachycardia. The only change was the temperature increased by 1 degree from 97.9 to 98.9.

After the initial 30minute transfusion trial the rate was increased to 6mL/kg/hr at 50mL/hr.

Two hours later the patient developed profuse diarrhea and respiratory distress.

The blood transfusion was stopped immediately.

Dexamethasone and Diphenhydramine were given IV in case of a delayed transfusion reaction. However, at night the patient died.

Case for week 12/15/08

Email@BangaVet.com (BangaVet.com) — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

Presentation:
A 7 month old, intact female mixed breed canine was presented to AcaseAweek Clinic as an emergency with epistaxis of one night duration and abdominal pain of about 5 days duration.
The owner has recently placed rat bait (Klerat = Bradisacoum) under the house. The owner does not believe the patient ingested any but is not certain.
The dog is fed people food and chicken bones.
The owner does not and is unable to monitor urination and defecation as the dog lives outside.
The owner does not believe there was any trauma to the patient.

Physical Exam:

Weight = 8.8kg
T = 104
mm = pale
P = 210
R = 40
EENT: Pale conjunctiva, epistaxis x1 day
C/V: Tachycardia, no other abnormalities heard
U/G: Brown/mucoid vaginal d/c.
GI: Very painful on abdominal palpation, mostly caudal abdomen.
LNN: Mildly enlarged pre-scapular and popliteal LN’s
The patient had a “hunched” appearance. The dog was shivering and had bloody nasal discharge (epistaxis). The epistaxis was more pronounced from the Right nare. The dog was also groaning.

CBC:

PCV = 9.0%
TP 6.0
WBC = 3.1
Plt = 41
CBC revealed a severe hemorrhagic regenerative anemia with severe thrombocytopenia, leucopenia and granulocytopenia. MCHC was borderline normal/elevated.

Blood Chemistry revealed hypoalbuminemia along with borderline normal/high BUN and borderline normal/low Creatinine and ALT. All other values were within normal limits.

Radiographs of abdomen were taken as shown in following pictures:
Give interpretations of the radiographs.
What is your tentative diagnosis? Give your differentials.
What further tests you will do to confirm your diagnosis?
How will you treat and manage this case?

Solution to this case will be posted on 12/19/08.

Solution for case 12/8/08

Email@BangaVet.com (BangaVet.com) — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

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Tentative diagnosis: Leptospirosis; Clinical signs with history of exposure to contaminated urine suggest leptospirosis.

Differential diagnosis:

Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia
Infectious canine hepatitis virus
Canine herpesvirus
Hepatic neoplasia
Trauma/bacteremia
Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Ehrlichiosis
Toxoplasmosis
Renal neoplasia/renal calculi

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease that can cause renal azotemia as the bacteria cause damage to the renal tubules decreasing the capacity of the kidneys to excrete urea. Also Creatinine levels could be high if the glomerular filtration rate of the kidney decreases in a renal failure. Usually dogs with subacute Leptospirosis will present azotemia, high liver enzymes (AP more high than ALT), icterus, dehydrated, mild anemic (Leptospirosis damaging RBC walls and endothelium) and 20% of dog with thrombocytopenia do to vasculitis. High liver enzymes are also observed in dogs with leptospirosis. All these signs make this patient a suspect of subacute leptospirosis. Also clinical signs and history of “rats around the environment” increase the suspicion of leptospirosis.

Urinary tract obstruction, a post renal condition (frequently in male dogs) can also increase BUN/Creatinine levels but usually clinical signs as hematuria and urinary incontinence will be seen in the dog. This was not in this case, as he was urinating with no signs of hematuria and no urinary incontinence.

Further diagnostic tests:

Leptospira isolated from blood and urine after 7-10 days of infection
2 weeks after infection use liquid culture to growth
Dark field microscopic, FA, Silver impregnation technique for tissue (Kidney, liver, lung) with the organism
Serology
Microscopic agglutination test
Not good if the dog was previously vaccinated, or infected or had passive immunity
ELISA (anti-lepto-antibodies), DNA probes, PCR

Treatment:

Supportive therapy (IV fluids) and antibiotics
Ampicillin: Leptospiremia
Dosage 5-10 mg/Kg IV, IM, SQ BID
Ampicillin 300 mg à 0.3 ml SQ BID
Doxycycline: eliminate renal carrier state
Dosage 5-10 mg/kg PO, SID
Doxycycline (100mg)tablets BID
Should be given for 1 month

Prevention:

Vaccination at yearly intervals and more often in enzootic areas
Be aware of new vaccines for Leptospirosis that induce immunity for new serovars

Be concern that it is a Zoonotic disease!!

Owner of the pet should be oriented about how to manage the dog and give the complete dose of antibiotics to eliminate the carrier stage
Clean the cage with bleach or diluted iodine

If the dog does not recover after the treatment further diagnostic test should be performed as kidney and/or liver biopsy, ultrasound, and x-rays.

Case for week 12/8/08

Email@BangaVet.com (BangaVet.com) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

Presentation:

A 9 months old neuter male pothound dog that was brought to AcaseAweek Clinic for being lethargic, anorexic (not eating since 2 days), and vomiting. On the next day of hospitalization, the patient continued to be lethargic, anorexic, vomiting and became icteric. On detailed history the owner reported presence of rats around the patient’s environment.

Physical examination:

On the day of presentation:

T: 102.1
HR: 104
RR: 40
Tacky mucous membrane
Fleas
Vomiting

Next day:

T: 101.0
HR: 96
RR: 30
CRT: <2sec
Icteric
Lethargic
Not eating

CBC:

HCT: 32% (37.0-55.0)
HGB: 11.5 g/dl (12-18)
MCHC: 35.9 g/dl (30-36.9)
WBC: 10.8 x10⁹/L (6.0-16.9)
Granulocytes: 9.3 x10⁹/L (3.3-12.0)
PLT: 37 x10⁹/L (175-500)

Biochemistry:

ALB: 2.6 g/dl (2.3-4.0)
ALKP: 879 U/L (23-212)
ALT: 184 U/L (10-100)
AMYL: 1260U/L (500-1500)
CREA: 7.9 mg/dL (0.5-1.8)
BUN: 130 mg/dL (7-27)
GlOB: 5.6 g/dL (2.5-4.5)
TP: 8.2 g/dL (5.2-8.2)
TBIL: 9.5 mg/dL (0.0-0.9)

What is your tentative diagnosis?

What are your differentials?

What further tests you will do to confirm your diagnosis?

How will you treat and manage this case?

Solution to this case will be posted on 12/12/08