Pyothorax

Case contributed by Allison L Zwingenberger

Presentation

Lethargic, weight loss, increased respiratory rate for 3 days.

Patient Data

Age: 8 years
Gender: Spayed female
Category: Domestic cat
Organism: Domestic shorthaired cat

Thorax

x-ray

Uniform opacification of the cranioventral thorax. Several short air bronchograms to the cranial lung lobes on the lateral projections. Mild pneumothorax with multiple pleural and/or pulmonary gas bubbles. Pleural thickening at one of the partially retracted caudal lung lobes.

Case Discussion

Pleural effusion with pleural thickening is indicative of pyothorax. The cranial lung lobes are likely atelectic. Mild pneumothorax may be iatrogenic or secondary to pulmonary rupture or abscessation.

Thoracic fluid cytology - Marked purulent septic exudate with evidence of prior and ongoing hemorrhage consistent with pyothorax. No organisms were cultured.

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