Here’s a case of a 5-year-old male Dogue de Bordeaux who was anorexic and lethargic. Bloodwork showed hematocrit 52.3%, platelets 84,000, WBC 6,350. BUN 44, creatinine 2.2, PO4 5.0, Ca 16.0, cholesterol 443, Na 159. USG – 1.015.
5 year old Dogue de Bordeaux
Allison, besides the cranial mediastinal mass, I see the thoracic portion of the CVC with an unsual shape, would you agree? I have never seen that before and I am wondering if this could mean something or not. Thank you
The thoracic caudal vena cava often tapers toward the diaphragm and sometimes curves slightly. It depends on the cardiac cycle and the degree of inflation. In this case, I think it’s within normal limits. Take a look at some other examples of thoracic radiographs to see the range of normal variations. Hope that helps!
I worry I miss cran mediastinal masses by assuming the opacity is just due to overlying thoracic musculature… How can I distinguish the two? Thanks
There are a couple of imaging signs that will help to identify an enlarged cranial mediastinum including elevation of the trachea, and widening of the mediastinum on the dorsoventral projection (more than the width of the vertebral column). You can see both of these signs in this case. Dogs with excess fat in the mediastinum and certain breeds will have increased opacity without elevation of the trachea, but these can be difficult to be certain. A thoracic ultrasound or CT can be used to determine if there is truly a mass.