Captivating Cases

Issue 15 - December 2014

We are excited to announce the addition of Beth Biscoe, DVM, MS, DACVR to the Animal Imaging team!

Dr. Biscoe provides comprehensive imaging services alongside Rita Echandi, DVM, DACVR and Dana Neelis, DVM, MS, DACVR on a full time basis.

Dr. Biscoe is a valuable addition to our team. She has experience in cross sectional imaging (MRI and CT) as well as ultrasound, fluoroscopy and nuclear medicine studies (portal scans, thyroid scans, I-131 and bone scans). We are certain you will appreciate the knowledge and skill that Dr. Biscoe brings to the Animal Imaging team.

Equipped for Success

Animal Imaging offers virtually every outpatient veterinary diagnostic imaging option available for small animal and equine, all in one location:

CT Scan
Fluoroscopy
MRI (3-Tesla)
Nuclear Medicine
Teleradiology
Ultrasound/Mobile Ultrasound

Polyostotic Bone Disease

Signalment and History:

Jasmine is a 3 year old female spayed German Shepherd that presented for a two week history of progressive back pain, decreased appetite, lethargy and fever. There was pain on palpation of T6-T9, a history of hip and neck pain and a normal neurologic exam. At the time of presentation, Jasmine was being treated with Clavamox, tramadol and Carprofen.

Polyostotic Bone Disease

MR Findings:

There is increased T2-weighted and STIR signal associated with the vertebra, predominantly along the vertebral bodies of T1, T2, T7, T9, T10 and L4. There is strong heterogenous contrast enhancement associated with the vertebral body of L4. The remaining vertebral changes do not show evidence of contrast enhancement. There are hyperintensities on T2 and STIR resulting in mottling of the T4 spinous process. This shows evidence of contrast enhancement. On multiple sequences, but best seen on the dorsal STIR sequence, there is diffuse mottling of the spleen. The spleen is subjectively generally enlarged. Multifocal moderate abdominal lymphadenopathy was also noted.

Polyostotic Bone Disease

Fine needle aspirates of the spleen and lymph nodes were obtained with ultrasound guidance while under general anesthesia.

Cytology Findings:

The cytology report shows that there are infiltration of macrophages with intracellular and extracellular, non-staining, acid-fast, rod bacteria suspected to be Mycobacterium.

Conclusion and Differentials:

Polycystic bone disease with splenic and nodal involvement. Primary differentials are a dissemenated neoplastic (e.g. round cell lymphoma) or granulomoatous (e.g. fungal-aspergillosis) etiology.