Ultrasonographic findings in a basenji with immuno-proliferative enteropathy

The ultrasonographic findings in a one-and-a-half-year-old female basenji with immunoproliferative enteropathy are described. On ultrasonographic examination, generalised thickening of the small bowel wall was found, ranging between 4 and 6 mm. The normal layered appearance of the intestinal wall was replaced by three distinct layers; an innermost enlarged hyperechogenic layer; an enlarged poor echogenic layer, and an outer hyperechogenic layer. These findings are consistent with the histopathological appearance of this particular chronic inflammatory bowel disease, since the inner layer probably represents the infiltrated mucosa, the middle layer the infiltrated lamina propria and the outer layer the serosa. Thus, the ultrasonographic finding of generalised thickening of the intestinal wall in a basenji presenting with chronic diarrhoea, weight loss, anorexia or vomiting is strongly indicative of immunoproliferative enteropathy.