Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with fluid buildup in chest and abdomen from lymphosarcoma
By Ridge, L & Swinney, G·Published in Australian veterinary journal·2004·Washington State University, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Angiotrophic intravascular lymphosarcoma presenting as bi-cavity effusion in a dog.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 9-year-old German Shepherd cross was brought to the vet because it was having trouble breathing, was less active, and had a swollen belly. Tests showed fluid buildup in the chest and abdomen, and a mass was found near the heart. Surgery was done to investigate the mass, but after the operation, the dog developed a low platelet count and struggled to breathe. Unfortunately, due to its worsening condition, the dog was euthanized. A later examination revealed that the dog actually had angiotropic intravascular lymphosarcoma, not mesothelioma as initially thought.
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Abstract
A 9-year-old German Shepherd cross was presented with a history of dyspnoea, decreased activity, episodic collapse and abdominal distention. Cytological examination of thoracic and abdominal fluid demonstrated neoplastic cells, either round or mesenchymal in nature. The dog was found to have a mass in the heart-base region. Exploratory thoracotomy was performed to identify the exact nature of the mass histologically, and to determine if it was the source of neoplastic cells seen in the effusions. Histological diagnosis of the mass was mesothelioma. Postoperatively the dog developed thrombocytopenia, probably immune-mediated, which was treated with prednisone therapy. The dog developed signs of respiratory distress shortly before discharge and, due to its deteriorating condition, was euthanased. A necropsy was performed and tissues were collected for histological examination. The histological diagnosis was angiotropic intravascular lymphosarcoma. Diagnosis of mesothelioma was not confirmed.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15887384/