Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Ultrasonographic findings in dogs and cats with oxalate nephrosis attributed to ethylene glycol intoxication: 15 cases (1984-1988).
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 1991
- Authors:
- Adams, W H et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Urban Practice
Plain-English summary
In a study of 12 dogs and 3 cats diagnosed with kidney damage from ethylene glycol poisoning, veterinarians looked at ultrasound images of their kidneys. They found that the kidneys showed varying degrees of brightness, with a specific pattern called the halo sign seen in 7 dogs and 1 cat, which was linked to a serious condition where the pets were unable to urinate. While these ultrasound patterns were similar to those seen in other studies of kidney damage from ethylene glycol, they weren't unique to this condition. Unfortunately, the study noted a high death rate among these pets, and the presence of the halo sign indicated a very serious outlook for their recovery. Overall, the findings suggested a guarded to poor prognosis for these animals.
Abstract
Renal ultrasonographic findings in 12 dogs and 3 cats determined to have oxalate nephrosis presumed to be secondary to ethylene glycol intoxication were examined. Ultrasonographic changes varied from mild to marked increases in renal cortical echogenicity. A pattern of greater than normal cortical and medullary echogenicity with persistence of areas of lesser echo intensity at the corticomedullary junction and central medullary regions was observed. This pattern, termed the halo sign, was recognized in 7 dogs and 1 cat concurrent with the development of clinical anuria. Ultrasonographic patterns in these clinical cases were similar to those observed in a previous study of dogs with experimentally induced ethylene glycol nephrosis. Ultrasonographic findings were not considered pathognomonic of ethylene glycol nephrosis. Due to the high death rate reported in the cases surveyed, detection of ultrasonographic changes was considered to warrant a guarded to poor prognosis. Because of the association of the halo sign with anuria, its detection was considered to warrant a grave prognosis.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1917665/