Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Intracranial empyema in cats from abscess and bite wound cases
By Barrs, V R et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2007·Faculty of Veterinary Science, Australia·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Intracranial empyema: literature review and two novel cases in cats.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A cat with a severe infection in the brain, known as intracranial empyema, was treated after showing symptoms related to a retrobulbar abscess (an infection behind the eye) and a bite wound to the skull. The infection was confirmed through imaging and was caused by a type of bacteria called Actinomyces. The cat underwent surgery to drain the infection and received antibiotics. This combination of treatments led to a successful recovery, highlighting the importance of prompt surgical intervention and medical care for this serious condition.
People also search for: cat brain infection treatment · cat eye abscess · cat bite wound infection
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To review the literature on intracranial empyema and report two new cases in cats. METHODS: Literature review and case reports. RESULTS: Intracranial empyema has been rarely reported in small animals. In two novel cases in cats, the route of infection was postulated to be local extension from a retrobulbar abscess of odontogenic origin in one case and direct inoculation from a penetrating bite wound to the skull, confirmed at post-mortem examination, in the other. On magnetic resonance imaging of the first case, there was a contrast-enhancing large extra-axial fluid collection overlying the right cerebral hemisphere, consistent with subdural empyema. Infection was caused by an Actinomyces spp. This is the first report of successful treatment of intracranial empyema by craniotomy, drainage and antibiotics. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Intracranial empyema is a neurosurgical emergency. Favourable outcomes may be achieved with surgical decompression, antimicrobial therapy and intensive care.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17543019/