Detecting active kidney bleeding with ultrasound in a Boxer dog

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) for the detection of active renal hemorrhage in a dog with spontaneous kidney rupture resulting in hemoperitoneum. CASE SUMMARY: A 9-month-old, sexually intact male Boxer dog presented for acute collapse, abdominal pain, and tachycardia. Physical examination findings were consistent with hypovolemia and acute abdomen. B-mode ultrasonography revealed peritoneal effusion and a right kidney mass. Subsequently, a CEUS study was performed on the right kidney, which demonstrated active hemorrhage from that kidney resulting in both hemoretroperitoneum and hemoperitoneum. At exploratory surgery, ultrasonographic findings were confirmed and a right nephrectomy was performed. Histopathology demonstrated severe parenchymal alterations along with the presence of nematode larvae. Fecal and urine testing for the presence of parasitic ova were negative. Identification of the larvae was inconclusive. At 30 days postoperatively, repeat B-mode ultrasound and clinicopathologic testing was unremarkable. The dog was alive at 1 year postsurgery with no ill effects. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of CEUS for the detection of active hemorrhage from a kidney resulting in hemoretroperitoneum and hemoperitoneum in a dog. Although rare, the finding of nematode larvae within the renal parenchyma may have been the cause of kidney rupture. Importantly, surgical removal of the kidney was curative. Benign processes causing kidney rupture such as parasitic infestation should be considered in the working diagnosis as related to geographical location.