Computed tomographic features of presumed craniodorsal mediastinal haematoma and thoracic periaortitis secondary to spirocercosis in a dog

A 6-year-old, 35.0-kg, intact female, Belgian Shepherd dog was presented with acute dyspnoea, severe anaemia and haemothorax. Thoracic radiography showed craniodorsal mediastinal mass, mineralised nodule in the caudodorsal mediastinum and caudal thoracic spondylitis, which led to the presumptive diagnosis of spirocercosis. Computed tomography (CT) revealed the craniodorsal mediastinal mass to be most compatible with haematoma. There was soft tissue thickening around the thoracic aorta with delayed thin peripheral enhancement, suspected to be periaortitis. The patient responded well to medical treatments, including blood transfusion, tranexamic acid and six doses of doramectin. Follow-up thoracic radiography 80 days later showed resolution of the craniodorsal mediastinal haematoma and periaortitis, but not the mineralised oesophageal nodule. The patient remained free of respiratory and upper gastrointestinal signs 5 months later. This case report describes the CT features and successful medical treatment of presumed craniodorsal mediastinal haematoma and thoracic periaortitis secondary to spirocercosis in a dog.

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