Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Intestinal mast cell tumors in dogs that look like lymphoma on scans
By Nam, Chaemin et al.·Published in The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne·2024·Department of Veterinary Medical Imaging, South Korea·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Sonographic and computed tomographic features of intestinal mast cell tumors mimicking alimentary lymphoma in 2 dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Two Shih Tzu dogs were brought to the vet because they were experiencing bloody diarrhea and vomiting. Ultrasound and CT scans showed unusual masses in their intestines, which initially looked like lymphoma, a type of cancer. However, further testing revealed that both dogs actually had intestinal mast cell tumors, which can mimic lymphoma on imaging. Recognizing these tumors is important for choosing the right treatment. Thankfully, with the correct diagnosis, the dogs can receive the appropriate care they need.
People also search for: dog vomiting and diarrhea · Shih Tzu intestinal tumors · mast cell tumor treatment in dogs
Abstract
Two shih tzu dogs were referred to our clinic because of hematochezia and vomiting. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a focal, asymmetric, exophytic small intestinal mass with loss of wall layering and muscular layer thickening of the adjacent intestine. Computed tomography (CT) in both dogs revealed a focal, asymmetric, homogenously contrast-enhanced exophytic jejunal and duodenal mass with an intact mucosal layer and generalized lymphadenopathy. Metastasis and ulceration were not detected on CT. The initial imaging diagnosis was lymphoma in both dogs; however, histopathological examination revealed the presence of intestinal mast cell tumors (iMCTs). Despite its similarity to alimentary lymphoma, iMCT should be considered a possible diagnosis, based on imaging characteristics, to ensure that proper treatments are selected. This is the first veterinary report describing detailed ultrasonographic and CT characteristics of iMCTs. Key clinical message: This is the first veterinary case report demonstrating sonographic and computed tomographic features of canine iMCT, which can be misdiagnosed as alimentary lymphoma. This report provides another differential diagnosis to consider when determining the appropriate patient treatment direction and histopathological examination.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38164388/