Ultrasonographic features and prevalence of presumed gastric wall edema in dogs with hypoalbuminemia

BACKGROUND: Ultrasonographic features of gastric wall edema have not been reported in dogs with hypoalbuminemia. OBJECTIVES: To describe the prevalence and ultrasonographic features of gastric wall thickening in dogs with hypoalbuminemia and analyze correlation with serum albumin concentrations. ANIMALS: Forty‐two dogs with abdominal ultrasound and diagnosis of hypoalbuminemia (<2.3 g/dL). METHODS: Retrospective search in the medical records from 2018 to 2019 was performed. Ultrasound studies were reviewed and >5 mm were considered gastric wall thickening. The gastric wall changes such as thickness, layering appearance, echogenicity, echotexture, distribution of lesions, and presence of peritoneal effusion were recorded. Serial ultrasonographic examination and histopathological findings were recorded if available. Mean serum albumin concentration of dogs with and without gastric wall thickening was compared. RESULTS: Prevalence of gastric wall thickening in dogs with hypoalbuminemia was 21.4% (95% confidence intervals 7.4‐35.4%). Mean gastric wall thickness was 10.0 ± 2.0 mm. Preserved mucosal layer and thickening of submucosal layer were observed in all 9 dogs. Five dogs had 3‐layer appearance in thickened submucosal layer. Diffuse wall thickening was observed in 6 dogs. All 9 dogs had peritoneal effusion. Subsequent changes of gastric wall thickening were observed in 3 dogs (range 4‐70 days). Gastric wall edema was confirmed histopathologically in 2 dogs via necropsy. There was no correlation between serum albumin concentration of the dogs and gastric wall thickness. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Findings indicated that gastric wall edema is a common finding in dogs with hypoalbuminemia. However, serum albumin concentrations did not correlate with the gastric wall thickness.