Multimodality imaging of an azygous continuation of the caudal vena cava in a dog with pulmonary thromboembolic disease

Vet Radiol Ultrasound. 2020 Sep;61(5):E40-E44. doi: 10.1111/vru.12633. Epub 2018 May 24.

Abstract

A 5-year-old spayed female English Bulldog was evaluated for acute anorexia, lethargy, respiratory distress, and syncope. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed the vascular malformation of azygous continuation of the caudal vena cava with extensive thrombus formation and pulmonary arterial thromboembolic disease. The patient was hospitalized for supportive treatment and was prescribed long-term clopidogrel therapy. The patient survived to discharge and at last follow-up remained clinically stable. While this vascular malformation has been reported in canines, to the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of pulmonary thromboembolic disease in a canine concurrent with this condition.

Keywords: caudal vena cava; dog; thromboembolism.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Dog Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Dogs
  • Female
  • Multimodal Imaging / veterinary*
  • Pulmonary Embolism / diagnostic imaging
  • Pulmonary Embolism / veterinary*
  • Thrombosis / pathology
  • Thrombosis / veterinary
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / veterinary*
  • Vena Cava, Inferior / pathology*