Use of ultrasonography and secondary wound closure to facilitate diagnosis and treatment of a cranial mediastinal abscess in a dog
Barrett, R.J.; Mann, F.A.; Aronson, E.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 203(9): 1293-1295
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 8253621 Document Number: 421814
A 3-year-old dog was examined because of acute, severe respiratory distress. Harsh inspiratory sounds, oral abrasions, and pyrexia were identified. On thoracic and cervical radiographs, the trachea appeared to be ventrally displaced and narrowed for several centimeters of its length at the thoracic inlet. Cytologic examination of a transcutaneous aspirate from the caudal cervical region revealed a neutrophilic exudate with extracellular bacteria. The ultrasonographic appearance of the thoracic inlet lent support to a diagnosis of cranial mediastinal abscess. Drainage and debridement of the abscess was accomplished via a ventral midline cervical approach, and the site was managed as an open wound. After 6 days, secondary wound closure was performed. The ventral cervical approach prevented contamination of the pleural space, and treatment as an open wound allowed inspection of the affected tissues to determine optimal time for wound closure. The cause of this cranial mediastinal abscess was unknown.