Case 7

The owner approves your plan to check his serum electrolyte concentrations and CBC and obtain lateral and ventrodorsal abdominal radiographs.

Radiograph report: The proximal small intestines appear severely distended. Normal bowel loops are noted in the caudal abdomen. No fluid or free air is noted in the abdomen. The liver size is normal with sharp edges. The spleen and kidneys appear normal in size and shape. The urinary bladder cannot be visualized, which may be a normal finding if it is empty.

These findings are supportive of a complete intestinal obstruction.

The CBC results are normal.

Abnormal serum electrolyte results:

Patient values

Reference range

Sodium (mEq/L)

132

139-154

Potassium (mEq/L)

6.1

3.6-5.5

Chloride (mEq/L)

102

102-120

QUESTION 6

Which disease process is NOT typically associated with these ELECTROLYTE abnormalities?

a) Renal failure

b) Primary hyperaldosteronism

c) Gastrointestinal disease

d) Body cavity effusions

e) Diabetes mellitus/diabetic ketoacidosis

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