Dog chest radiographs - ideas

Re: Dog chest radiographs - ideas

Bibs — Wed, 15 May 2013 18:08:56 GMT

I can't see anything obviously abnormal on the radiographs myself.

The history sounds like the owner could be describing a upper respiratory stridor.

Was there any abnormal sounds on auscultation of the dog's lung fields or neck? Did it have a temperature or was it off colour?

Might it be worth getting the owner to take a video of the dog when it's making these sounds?

Re: Dog chest radiographs - ideas

Anthony Dennison — Wed, 15 May 2013 13:08:49 GMT

Is she vomiting/regurgitating at all? We had a dog with similar presenting signs that turned out to be acquired Myasthenia Gravis. Might be something to put on to the differentials list

Re: Dog chest radiographs - ideas

Mark Holmes — Wed, 15 May 2013 07:11:57 GMT

I would have suspicions about the "mass" visable in the lateral view. ?lymphnode ?lymphoma on the DV the shadow of the aorta appears displaced away from the midline and the tracheal shadow to the right a little. It may just be the dog but I would be suspicious of something between the two.

Re: Dog chest radiographs - ideas

David Mills — Wed, 15 May 2013 00:06:06 GMT

I don't see a heart base mass here. The films (this is not a criticism) do not appear to be full inspiratory, especially the last one. What's more, you can clearly see vascular structures against the 'mass' which wouldn't fit. I think you are simply seeing superimposition of tissues which is often worsened by expiratory films. If you are worried about a mass echocardiography would be the way to go.

From your description, laryngeal paralysis is possible though sudden onset is rare afaik. If you want to rule out intrathoracic pathology, I would GA and obtain true inspiratory films and echo. Laryngeal paralysis is best observed at induction or very light GA plane, and should be reasonably obvious.