Imaging diagnosis--aortic thromboembolism associated with spirocercosis in a dog

Vet Radiol Ultrasound. 2007 Sep-Oct;48(5):418-20. doi: 10.1111/j.1740-8261.2007.00270.x.

Abstract

An 8-year-old neutered female Rhodesian Ridgeback developed acute, nonneurological right pelvic limb lameness. Femoral pulsation was poor, and oscillometric blood pressure measurements between the two pelvic limbs differed markedly. A caudal aortic right external iliac embolus was detected sonographically. Radiographically, there was a caudal esophageal mass and thoracic vertebral spondylitis typical of spirocercosis. Using CT-angiography, a caudal thoracic aortic aneurysm with a mural thrombus was detected. The dog recovered following heparin and aspirin therapy but signs recurred 7 months later. Subsequently, the patient improved on treatment and remains asymptomatic. This report illustrates the value of CT-angiography in detecting aortic thrombosis in dogs with spirocercosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Aorta, Thoracic*
  • Aortic Aneurysm / complications
  • Aortic Aneurysm / diagnosis
  • Aortic Aneurysm / veterinary*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Dog Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Dog Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Dog Diseases / pathology
  • Dogs
  • Female
  • Spirurida Infections / complications
  • Spirurida Infections / diagnosis
  • Spirurida Infections / veterinary*
  • Thelazioidea*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / veterinary