Interesting case

Re: Interesting case

Stephen Courtney — Sat, 28 Dec 2013 23:40:21 GMT

If you are in an area that sees adder bites then I wouldn't rule it out entirely - it really isn't that cold just now...I've seen one end up looking like this, though usually they are less severe.

Consider various other causes of vasculitis type reactions, and MCT suggestions are sensible too.

Re: Interesting case

Utlendigur — Sat, 28 Dec 2013 22:15:28 GMT

Ditto - presented as an "inguinal hernia" on a nightmare of a Christmas day (ie it turned up at the same time as the RTA, the stitch up and the other case that was passing and saw we were "open"). Given that it was vomiting, systemically unwell and had a huge inguinal swelling it seemed plausible but it turned out to be a metastasis from an MCT removed from the hindleg a few weeks previously.

Re: Interesting case

Anthony Dennison — Sat, 28 Dec 2013 21:01:31 GMT

[quote user="tess"]

We has a similar case recently which turned out to be a severe degranulation of a mast cell tumour. The mass was deep within the muscles of the leg and was only the size of a walnut. It wasn't palpable on initial presentation - only after the swelling had started to go down.

Edited to add- That may account for the acute vomiting??

[/quote]

I've seen a similar thing, though there was an obvious mass involved. The dog was systemically unwell, azotaemic and gastrointestinal signs. The tissue around the mass sloughed off. We pushed for euthanasia but the owner wanted to wait a few days so her daughter could say goodbye to the dog also...

Started on anti-histamines, steroids and gut protectants and redressed the limb regularly, and the dog picked up!

Re: Interesting case

tess — Sat, 28 Dec 2013 18:27:49 GMT

Edited to add- That may account for the acute vomiting??

Re: Interesting case

Andy Elliott — Sat, 28 Dec 2013 16:44:04 GMT

[quote user="Marie Kubiak"]

Stepped on a brumating adder? It's warm enough here during the day for them to be out but even on cold days if disturbed they can still be a risk, though much slower! One of our breeding group has recently had neonates and all have been seen to be active so wouldn't rule it out.

[/quote]

Thanks Marie- it did look like an adder bite, of which we see several most summers however I have never seen a dog so sick following on from an adder bite as this dog was.

Re: Interesting case

Francisco Gomez — Sat, 28 Dec 2013 16:36:11 GMT

when you say severe thrombocytopenia. you mean you examined a smear? it could be machine error related?

Re: Interesting case

Marie Kubiak — Sat, 28 Dec 2013 16:33:17 GMT