Spontaneous emphysematous splenitis: Radiographic and ultrasonographic findings in three Golden Retriever dogs

Spontaneous emphysematous splenitis is a life-threatening condition reported rarely in humans; however, published reports in dogs are currently lacking. The aim of this multicentric, retrospective, case series design study was to describe radiographic and ultrasonographic imaging findings in Golden Retriever dogs diagnosed with spontaneous emphysematous splenitis. A total of three dogs were sampled. All dogs had a history of lethargy, diarrhea, and weight loss. Radiographic findings in all dogs included a mass effect with focal or multifocal coalescing "vesicular-like" gas pattern in the splenic region and focal loss of serosal detail. Ultrasonographic findings in all dogs included focal or multifocal irregularly shaped, hypoechoic areas containing a mixture of hyperechoic fluid and gas within the splenic parenchyma, hyperechoic abdominal free fluid, and generalized hyperechoic mesenteric fat without evidence of splenic torsion. Pneumoperitoneum was detected ultrasonographically and radiographically in two dogs. All three dogs underwent splenectomy and splenic torsion was definitively ruled out at surgery. One dog died three days after surgery, whereas the other two dogs recovered uneventfully. Culture of the splenic tissue and free abdominal fluid was positive for Clostridium spp. in all three cases. Findings supported inclusion of spontaneous emphysematous splenitis and septic peritonitis as differential diagnoses for dogs with this combination of clinical and imaging characteristics.