Splenic Lymphoma

Allison Zwingenberger

University of California Davis

Copyright Veterinaryradiology.net
Publication Date: 2007-06-03

History

10 year old FN Rottweiler with anorexia, diarrhea and weight loss.

Findings

There is a large, round mass in the caudal abdomen on the lateral and v/d projections. The mass is displacing the small intestine peripherally. The small intestine is mildly distended with gas.

On abdominal ultrasound, the splenic mass was isoechoic to the spleen with several focal hypoechoic areas. The small intestine was mildly dilated with fluid.

DDx

• Hemangiosarcoma
• Splenic hematoma
• Malignant histiocytosis

Diagnosis

• Diffuse splenic lymphoma (probable marginal zone) with hemorrhagic mass
• Lymphangiectasia

Discussion

This dog had two concurrent diseases that contributed to her clinical signs. Her blood work showed mild regenerative anemia (31%) and hypoproteinemia (albumin 1.8 g/dl and globulin 2.0 g/dl. The spleen was diffusely infiltrated with lymphoma, however the mass was mostly hemorrhage with necrotic areas that contributed to the mild anemia. The low protein and weight loss were caused by loss from the lymphangiectasia. Lymphangiectasia is not always visible on ultrasound.

The mass is most likely splenic because it is well-circumscribed and in the location of the distal extremity of the spleen. There is no normal spleen visible on the radiographs. The appearance is not typical of malignant histiocytosis, however Rottweilers are predisposed to this disease.