Ultrasonographic Findings of Renal Lymphosarcoma in German Shepherd Dogs

Lymphosarcoma is a common form of neoplasia in dogs and usually affects both kidneys. In the current retrospective study, ultrasonographic findings of lymphosarcoma in five German Shepherd dogs and the role of fine needle aspiration were evaluated.

Five German Shepherd dogs (three Females and two males) with renal failure symptoms underwent ultrasonographic examination. The levels of cytosolic Thymidine kinase (TK1) and Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were also measured in all cases and were compared with those of five healthy German Shepherd dogs. In order to confirm the diagnosis, Renal Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) was applied and the results were reported and compared with previous studies.

In this study, pelvic dilatation was observed in all dogs. In four cases, corticomedullary junctions were not well-demarcated. Also, renal enlargement and deformity were reported in four and three cases respectively. Hypoechoic lesions were seen in three cases. Due to the severity of both clinical and ultrasonographic signs of four dogs, renal fine needle aspiration was performed and lymphosarcoma was confirmed at the initial examination. However, because of less severe manifestation of one case, FNA was not performed initially. With deterioration of clinicopathologic signs, however, this case was reexamined after 30 days and lymphosarcoma was confirmed through FNA.

The findings indicated that the ultrasonographic features of renal lymphosarcoma in German Shepherd dogs may be minimal in its preliminary stages, so it is advisable that further examination be performed at intervals shorter than 30 days. Furthermore, in order to confirm the suspicion, ultrasound-guided FNA is invaluable.