Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Labrador with breathing trouble from fibrous tissue in chest
By Granger, Kyle L et al.·Published in Veterinary medicine and science·2025·Department of Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Fibrosing Mediastinitis in a 5-Year-Old Labrador Retriever.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 5-year-old male neutered Labrador Retriever was brought in for worsening breathing problems, along with facial swelling and fluid buildup in the chest. X-rays and a CT scan showed a mass in the chest area that was pressing on the trachea and other vital structures. Despite attempts to treat him, his condition did not improve, and the owner decided to have him humanely euthanized due to his suffering. A post-mortem exam revealed severe inflammation and fibrosis in the chest, confirming a rare condition called fibrosing mediastinitis.
People also search for: dog breathing problems · Labrador Retriever respiratory distress · fibrosing mediastinitis in dogs
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Fibrosing mediastinitis (FM) is a rare but serious condition characterized by excessive fibrous tissue proliferation in the mediastinum, often leading to compression of vital structures. Although considered benign, in people, clinical manifestations of FM can range from asymptomatic incidental findings on imaging studies to severe respiratory compromise and hemodynamic instability. While documented in people, FM has not yet been reported in dogs. CASE PRESENTATION: A 5-year-old male neutered Labrador Retriever presented with progressive respiratory distress, leading to pleural effusion and facial swelling. Thoracic radiographs revealed mediastinal mass-like structures and pleural effusion. Computed tomography demonstrated a mediastinal mass-like structure, enlarged tracheobronchial lymph nodes, multifocal narrowing of lobar bronchi and pulmonary veins and compression of the oesophagus and trachea. The dog was humanely euthanized due to poor response to empiric therapy and the owner's perception of suffering. A post-mortem examination confirmed severe chronic mediastinal inflammation with fibrosis and vasculitis consistent with fibrosing mediastinitis. CONCLUSIONS: This report presents a unique case of FM in a dog.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40679158/