Introduction

Malignant adrenal gland tumours can be associated with the life-threatening thromboembolism.

Objectives

To demonstrate the cause of non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema.

Methods

A 12-year-old, Siberian Husky was referred to further diagnosis according to abdominal organ enlargement and the abdominal breathing. Colour doppler ultrasonography was carried out.

Results

Both sides adrenal gland enlargement was revealed with incident of the posterior vena cava invasion by the right. Chest radiographic finding demonstrated alveolar pattern without fluid accumulation inside pleural space at the left lung lobe and enhancement of radiographic opacity at peri-hilar area. The IRIS stage II azotemia with polyuria polydipsia was displayed on physical examination. No evidence of hypernatremia, hypokalemia, hypertension, and tachycardia was detected. ACTH stimulation test and low dose dexamethasone suppression test rejected to the disease. Oxygen therapy, antiplatelet, and diuretic were administered to correct pulmonary edema and thromboembolism. Unfortunately, the dog was not very well responded and necropsy was carried out. The architecture of the right adrenal medulla was devastated by the tumour mass. Histopathological description of caudal vena cava was composed of neoplastic polygonal-shaped with slightly indistinct cell borders arranged in cords, small packets, and nested patterns. A thin ribbon of adrenal cortices was seen and compressed by neoplastic cells. The left adrenal gland was intact.

Conclusions

In summary, the cause of death is thromboembolism and regional angioinvasion induced by malignant pheochromocytoma.