Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
CT scans show fluid and thickening in dogs with pyothorax compared
By Swinbourne, F et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2011·Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Computed tomographic findings in canine pyothorax and correlation with findings at exploratory thoracotomy.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 5-year-old mixed-breed dog was diagnosed with spontaneous pyothorax, which means there was fluid and gas in the chest cavity causing breathing problems. The dog underwent a CT scan that showed pleural fluid and thickening of the chest lining, which helped the veterinarian decide on the best treatment. The dog was treated surgically, and the CT findings closely matched what was found during surgery. Overall, the CT scan was helpful in managing the dog's condition, and it recovered after treatment.
People also search for: dog breathing problems pyothorax · CT scan for dog chest fluid · dog surgery for chest infection
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To describe computed tomographic (CT) findings in canine spontaneous pyothorax and compare them to surgical findings and to assess the utility of CT in guiding case management. METHODS: Records from 2003 to 2010 were reviewed to identify dogs, with spontaneous pyothorax, which had undergone CT. Cases were managed medically or surgically. CT images and surgery reports were reviewed and compared for surgical cases. RESULTS: Twelve dogs were included. Eight were managed surgically, three were managed medically and one died before management. Pleural fluid was present in all dogs on CT (n=12) and at surgery (n=8). Pleural gas was identified in five dogs on CT. Pleural thickening was detected in eight dogs on CT (seven visceral, one parietal and six mediastinal) and eight dogs at surgery (seven visceral, eight parietal and six mediastinal), six of which were identified by CT. Abnormal pulmonary parenchyma was detected in 10 dogs on CT and 5 dogs at surgery, all of which were identified by CT. Mediastinal involvement was detected in 10 dogs on CT and 6 dogs at surgery, 5 of which were identified by CT. CONCLUSIONS: CT and surgical findings are similar in most cases of canine spontaneous pyothorax. CT may be a useful diagnostic tool for guiding case management.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21906063/