Acute hepatic rupture causing hemoperitoneum in a dog with anaphylaxis

Abstract

Abstract A 2‐year‐old spayed female Siberian Husky was presented with a history of acute onset lethargy, collapse, haematochezia and vomiting. The patient was severely tachycardic and hypotensive. Point‐of‐care ultrasound revealed gallbladder wall thickening and peritoneal effusion consistent with haemorrhage on subsequent abdominocentesis. Despite attempted medical stabilization over the course of several hours, including blood products and multiple autotransfusions, the patient progressed to cardiopulmonary arrest. The dog was successfully resuscitated but was subsequently euthanized. Necropsy revealed a severe, acute hemoperitoneum secondary to rupture of the left lateral liver lobe. A tear in the hepatic capsule was identified along with a large hematoma. A single adult nematode, consistent with Dirofilaria immitis, was found in a pulmonary vessel in the right caudal lung lobe. The remaining necropsy findings were supportive of the clinical diagnosis of anaphylaxis. This report details a case, with necropsy findings, supporting a diagnosis of anaphylaxis and severe, refractory hemoperitoneum resulting from hepatic rupture. Acute hepatic rupture should be considered in cases of anaphylaxis‐related hemoperitoneum.

Keywords

• anaphylaxis
• autotransfusion
• hemoperitoneum
• hepatic rupture
• refractory haemorrhage