Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Postoperative pyothorax risk and outcome in 232 dogs after chest
By Meakin, L B et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2013·School of Veterinary Sciences, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Prevalence, outcome and risk factors for postoperative pyothorax in 232 dogs undergoing thoracic surgery.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Fifteen out of 232 dogs developed a serious infection called pyothorax (pus in the chest) after undergoing thoracic surgery. This condition was linked to factors like having a previous chest fluid removal (thoracocentesis) or a biopsy before surgery. Unfortunately, six of these dogs died, and four were euthanized, but five dogs were successfully treated and recovered. If your dog is having surgery, it's important to discuss these risks with your veterinarian to ensure the best possible outcome.
People also search for: dog pyothorax after surgery · dog chest infection treatment · risks of thoracic surgery in dogs
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence, outcome and risk factors for postoperative pyothorax in dogs undergoing thoracic surgery. METHODS: Case records were reviewed retrospectively to identify dogs with post thoracic surgery pyothorax, defined as septic neutrophilic inflammation within the pleural space based on cytology and/or a positive bacterial culture of pleural fluid. Those identified were reviewed for potential risk factors for postoperative pyothorax based on biological plausibility and previously published data. These potential risk factors were explored by multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 232 dogs undergoing thoracic surgery, 15 (6.5%) dogs developed pyothorax. Bacteria cultured included methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and multi-resistant Escherichia coli. Of these dogs, six died, four were euthanased and five were treated successfully. A diagnosis of idiopathic chylothorax [Odds Ratio (OR)=12.5, 95% Confidence Interval (CI)=2.7-58.5, P=0.001], preoperative intrathoracic biopsy (OR=14.3, 95% CI=1.7-118.7, P=0.014) and preoperative thoracocentesis (OR=11.2, 95% CI=1.6-78.2, P=0.015) were identified as independent risk factors for development of postoperative pyothorax. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Idiopathic chylothorax, intrathoracic biopsy and prior thoracocentesis are independent risk factors for postoperative pyothorax, which was associated with a 67% mortality rate.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23581608/