Ultrasound features of an unusual intramural gastric haemorrhage secondary to rodenticide intoxication in a dog

Abstract

A 3-year-old, neutered, female, mix-breed dog was presented with a history of acute haemorrhagic vomiting, diarrhoea, anorexia and lethargy. The patient had a hyperkinetic pulse, pale mucous membranes, bilateral hyphema and the capillary refill time was increased. Coagulation testing showed increased values. Abdominal ultrasound revealed diffuse thickening of the submucosal layer with hyperechoic peritoneum and enlargement of the gastric lymph node. The presumptive diagnosis was gastric wall haemorrhage secondary to rodenticide intoxication. The dog responded to treatment and was discharged after 48 hours. Fifteen days later, the thickness and layering of the stomach wall was normal. Gastric wall haemorrhage is a rare condition in dogs with rodenticide intoxication, which requires a biopsy for confirmation. However, the risk of haemorrhage does not make this feasible. In this case, the authors suspect that submucosal gastric thickening was secondary to anticoagulant rodenticide intoxication based on history, clinical examination, haematological analysis and coagulation testing.