Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Weight loss and chest swelling in working dogs with thoracic
By Doyle, J L et al.·Published in New Zealand veterinary journal·2009·Kaukapakapa Veterinary Services·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Intra-thoracic pyogranulomatous disease in four working dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Four large-breed male working dogs, aged 4 to 7 years, were brought to the vet in New Zealand for weight loss or swelling on their chests, often after work-related injuries. They were diagnosed with a serious infection in their chests called intra-thoracic pyogranulomatous disease, with some having infections from bacteria like Actinomyces and Streptococcus. While two of the dogs were able to return to work after surgery, the other two sadly had to be euthanized due to severe complications during or after the procedure. This highlights the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment for this condition in working dogs.
People also search for: dog weight loss and swelling · chest infection in dogs · working dog surgery recovery · Actinomyces infection in dogs · signs of serious dog illness
Abstract
CASE HISTORY: Four working dogs were presented to veterinary clinics in New Zealand for weight loss or swelling of the thoracic wall. All dogs were large-breed males between the ages of 4 and 7 years, and actively involved in farm work. The two dogs with swelling of the thoracic wall had recent histories of work-related trauma. CLINICAL FINDINGS AND DIAGNOSIS: All four dogs were diagnosed with intra-thoracic pyogranulomatous disease via diagnostic imaging and surgical exploration. Two dogs had confirmed infection with Actinomyces viscosus, while a third had suspected Actinomyces or Nocardia spp. infection. The fourth dog had a streptococcal infection, and a grass-seed foreign body was removed at surgery. Two dogs successfully returned to work, however euthanasia was requested by the owners of the other two, either during surgery, due to intra-thoracic haemorrhage, or shortly after, with post-operative meningitis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Due to the high value of working dogs in New Zealand, and the higher-than-average risk profile for intra-thoracic pyogranulomatous disease, veterinarians should be aware of this syndrome, and should seek to appropriately diagnose and aggressively treat it surgically.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19966894/