Ultrasonographic imaging as a diagnostic tool of gastro-esophageal intussusception in a German shepherd dog.

摘要

Ultrasonographic imaging was used to diagnose a case of gastro-esophageal intussusception (GEI) in a 3-month-old male White German Shepherd dog. The dog was referred because of a suspected diaphragmatic hernia due to dyspnea. Radiography showed a soft tissue structure cranial to the diaphragm with ventral displacement of the trachea. An esophagogram revealed dilatation and a large intraluminal filling defect within the caudal esophagus. Rugal folds were outlined with barium. Sonography showed that the spleen was located in the thorax and the stomach was not in its usual location. A veterinarian should be able to recognize the radiographic signs of GEI particularly in acute cases with esophageal obstruction in which mortality is high. Ultrasonography can identify abdominal organs displaced to the thorax with the stomach assisting in surgical planning.