Ultrasonographic diagnosis of an adrenocortical carcinoma in a dog

The ultrasonographic findings in a nine-year-old female Drahthaar with an adrenocortical carcinoma of the left adrenal gland are described. Examination of the abdomen revealed a large, hypoechoic mass cranial to the left kidney. Areas of calcification inside the mass and the lateral displacement of the caudal vena cava were assessed. The right adrenal gland was thinner and smaller than normal. Several target-like lesions were present in the hepatic parenchyma. A moderate amount of haemorrhagic abdominal fluid was also present. The ultrasonographic findings were consistent with this type of adrenal neoplasia which produces atrophy of the contralateral gland and frequently metastasises to the liver. The ultrasonographic diagnosis of adrenocortical carcinoma was confirmed by histopathological examination.