Medical imaging of pyothorax in a dog

Abstract

A 3-years-old female Pointer was evaluated for anorexia, dyspnea and exercise intolerance for 10 days. Auscultation revealed muffling of heart sound. There were leukocytosis, anemia, hypoalbuminaemia and hyperglobulinaemia on the blood profiles. Radiography showed severe pleural effusion. Thorax ultrasonographs described traped pleural effusion, pericardial effusion and collapsed right lung lobe(s). On CT images, thoracic neoplasia and lung torsion were ruled-out. Thoracocentesis with thoracoscopy and bacterial culture revealed pyothorax and pleuritis. The diagnosis of pyothorax in dogs and cats is based on clinical signs, radiography, thoracocentesis and cytology and culture of the exudate. In this case, various diagnostic medical imaging techniques (radiography, ultrasonography, CT and thoracoscopy) were used for diagnosis of pyothorax.