Computed tomography attenuation value for the characterization of pleural effusions in dogs: A cross-sectional study in 58 dogs

Canine Leishmaniosis Associated with Acute Pleural Effusion and Sudden Death in a Dog

A two-year-old female crossbreed dog, previously a stray with no known owner, was adopted and subsequently spayed. The dog exhibited weight loss over a period of two months and died suddenly during a leashed walk. Upon necropsy, enlargement of the submandibular, prescapular, and popliteal lymph nodes was noted. The intrathoracic cavity contained a substantial volume of yellowish-white fluid. Lymph nodes in the mediastinal and ventral thoracic centers were also enlarged, hemorrhagic, and friable. Microscopic examination revealed significant architectural changes in the lymph nodes, characterized by a pronounced cellular infiltrate consisting of lymphocytes and histiocytes, along with macrophages containing intracytoplasmic Leishmania amastigotes. Immunohistochemical analysis of the lymph nodes confirmed positive staining for Leishmania amastigotes. This case represents the first report of canine leishmaniasis associated with acute pleural effusion and sudden death.

A Retrospective Study on Bacteriology, Clinicopathologic and Radiographic Features in 28 Cats Diagnosed with Pyothorax

This retrospective study aimed to determine the etiological, clinicopathological, and radiographic features and outcome of feline pyothorax cases. Medical records from twenty-eight cats with pyothorax aged from 4 months to 10 years (median 10 months) diagnosed between 2013 and 2020 were reviewed. Dyspnoea (75.0%), abnormal lung sounds (75.0%) and open-mouth breathing (64.3%) were the predominant respiratory signs. Leucocytosis (61.5%), particularly monocytosis (68.0%), and hyperglobulinaemia (65.4%) were among the most prominent findings in blood analysis. Bilateral pleural effusion was found in 67.9% of the thoracic radiographs. A total of 47.4% of the cytological samples revealed the presence of bacteria, while all had positive bacterial growth. Pasteurella multocida, E. coli, Streptococcus spp., and Staphylococcus spp. were the predominant aerobic bacteria isolated from pleural effusion samples. A chest tube was placed in 64.3% of the cats and 66.7% of cats with chest tubes survived. In total, 46.4% of cats with pyothorax recovered. Amoxicillin-clavulanate was the antimicrobial of choice against aerobic bacteria found in this study and should be given in combination with antimicrobials that cover anaerobic bacteria. Chest tube placement is crucial for treatment success. Cytological results and bacterial culture may not be consistent; thus, bacterial culture should be performed for every case.

Dorsal mediastinal haemorrhage in dogs: four cases (2010-2018)

OBJECTIVE

This retrospective case series describes the clinical presentation and CT findings of dogs with presumed mediastinal haemorrhage with no apparent identifiable underlying cause.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Medical records were searched for dogs with presumed or suspected mediastinal haemorrhage of non-thymic origin. For all dogs, data on signalment, history, physical examination, treatment and outcome were collected by reviewing the medical records. Follow-up information was collected by telephone interviews with the owners and/or their primary-care veterinarians.

RESULTS

Four dogs were included. All survived to discharge with apparent resolution of the mediastinal haemorrhage (based on repeat imaging and/or clinical signs) with supportive treatment alone. Follow-up information was available from 2 months to 5 years following discharge, and none of the patients showed a recurrence of clinical signs during this period.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

This case series highlights that presumed haemorrhage into the mediastinum can occur in dogs without an obviously identifiable cause and, whilst rare, should be considered as a cause of dorsal mediastinal masses and may be successfully managed with supportive care alone.