Mavropoulou E.A. DVM, Intern at the Laboratory of Diagnostic Imaging, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki | Koutsomani- Sofrona D. DVM, Intern at the Laboratory of Diagnostic Imaging, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki | Nikita G.E. DVM, Private Practitioner, Thessaloniki | Papageorgiou V. DVM, MSc Surgery, PhD student of Anesthesia and Intensive Unit Care, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki | Marinou M. Special Laboratory Teaching Stuff, Laboratory of Diagnostic Imaging, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki | Papadopoulou P. DVM, PhD, Assistant Professor, Laboratory of Diagnostic Imaging, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki | Patsikas M.N. DVM, MD, PhD, DiplECVDI, Professor, Laboratory of Diagnostic Imaging, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Introduction
The clinical and diagnostic imaging findings in a dog with recurrent bleeding in the craniodorsal mediastinal space are presented.
Clinical case
A 4-year-old Italian Greyhound presented at the Companion Animal Clinic School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (CACAUTH), with depression, fever, anorexia, after fall from a low height. Hematological and biochemical profiles were normal. Radiological and ultrasonographic examination identified fluid in the craniodorsal mediastinum and 25ml of sterile hemorrhagic fluid was removed. The hemostatic profile was within normal limits. After fluid removal the dog was clinically normal and discharged without any treatment. Nine months later the dog re-presented to CAC-AUTH with depression and dyspnea after external pressure on the chest. Hematological examination showed a low hematocrit (19%), while biochemical and hemostatic profiles were normal. Radiography and ultrasonography confirmed fluid in the craniodorsal mediastinal space, and 40ml of hemorrhagic fluid was removed. A thoracic CT scan revealed no other abnormalities.
Results
The dog underwent a blood transfusion and received treatment during a three-day clinic stay and after three years remains healthy.
Conclusion
Bleeding in the dorsal mediastinal space in healthy dogs may be due to rupture of vessels after application of external pressure on the chest.
