9 year old Bernese Mountain Dog

Discussion

Multiple pulmonary masses and lymphadenopathy are characteristic of histiocytic sarcoma. The Bernese Mountain Dog is predisposed to this disease. Lymphoma can manifest a similar lymphadenopathy, however the pulmonary infiltrate is usually a diffuse, interstitial pattern. Granulomatous disease is also less likely to cause pulmonary masses. Since this disease is often multicentric, abdominal ultrasound is warranted.

References

1. Shaiken LC, Evans SM, Goldschmidt MH. Radiographic findings in canine malignant histiocytosis. Veterinary Radiology 1991;32:237-242.
2. Ramirez S, Douglass JP, Robertson ID. Ultrasonographic features of canine abdominal malignant histiocytosis. Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound 2002;43:167-170.
3. Cruz-Arambulo R, Wrigley R, Powers B. Sonographic features of histiocytic neoplasms in the canine abdomen. Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound 2004;45:554-558.