Pyothorax in nine dogs

Abstract

Nine dogs with pyothorax were treated with systemic antibiotics, and drainage and lavage of the pleural space. All nine dogs recovered completely. Eight dogs were followed up for 6 months or longer and none showed signs of relapse. The results of this treatment are excellent compared with those for treatment with systemic antibiotics and drainage of the pleural space but without lavage. Apart from the addition of pleural lavage to the treatment protocol, this difference in efficacy may be due to the fact that migrating grass seed awns do not seem to play an important role in the pathogenesis of pyothorax in dogs in the Netherlands.