Lymphatic Obstruction

History

Sonograms aren’t just for the belly and chest. If we don’t know what it is, we put a probe on it, sample it, treat it, and put it on a slide. See this poor Labrador with an impressive swelling in the hind limb of unknown origin in the May, 2013 SonoPath case of the month. That’s why we have a probe, a needle, and diagnostic efficiency at SonoPath.com.

Sonogram (Pancreas): Gunner (Name changed to protect the innocent 🙂

Sonograms aren’t just for the belly and chest. If we don’t know what it is, we put a probe on it, sample it, treat it, and put it on a slide. See this poor Labrador with an impressive swelling in the hind limb of unknown origin in the May, 2013 SonoPath case of the month. That’s why we have a probe, a needle, and diagnostic efficiency at SonoPath.com.

Sonogram (Pancreas): Gunner (Name changed to protect the innocent 🙂

History: A 7-year-old MN Labrador Retriever was presented for severe hind limb swelling, bruising in the inguinal region and grade 3 limp. Mild fever was present. Radiographs revealed severe soft tissue swelling of around the femur without bone involvement. Thoracic and abdominal radiographs were unremarkable.

Comments

The patient demonstrated less pain response after drainage of the abscess. Antibiotics and pain management were initiated Immediate amputation of the left hind limb is recommended with oncologist consultation. Guarded prognosis.

Clinical Differential Diagnosis

Lymphatic obstruction (lymph node/lymph vessel) – neoplasia (lymphoma, mast cell), trauma, cellulitis, granulomas, abscessation. Vasculitis. Caudal vena cava obstruction – thrombosis, neoplasia, granuloma

Sampling

US-guided FNA and abscess drainage under sedation: Cytology revealed spindle cell neoplasia and sterile suppurative inflammation.

Sonographic Differential Diagnosis

Abnormal proliferative tissue in the left hind limb with abscessation. Suspect mast cell disease, sarcoma or other neoplasia or non-visible foreign body and abscess.