Subcutaneous abscess caused by Clostridium perfringens and osteomyelitis in a dog

A case of a subcutaneous abscess caused by Clostridium perfringens infection in a five-month-old dog is reported in this study. Clinical examination, radiological findings and cytological analysis of abscess fluid were consistent with Clostridium induced disease. Treatment including drainage of the abscess and antibiotic therapy led to rapid clinical improvement. However, despite aggressive medical therapy and proper wound care, the deep soft tissue infection led to osteomyelitis with premature closure of the growth plates of the tibia and secondary bone shortening. Prolonged treatment with metronidazole and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid resulted in an excellent outcome with normal weight bearing.     

Endosurgical treatment of a retrobulbar abscess in a rabbit

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 1-year-old sexually intact female Netherland dwarf rabbit was examined because of a 3-week history of signs of lethargy, decreased appetite, left unilateral exophthalmia, a previous draining sinus from a left maxillary facial abscess, and bilateral nasal discharge. CLINICAL FINDINGS: The rabbit weighed 1.0 kg (2.2 lb) and had a body condition score of 1.5/5. Physical examination revealed generalized muscle atrophy, bilateral mucopurulent nasal discharge, and severe left-sided exophthalmia. Diagnostic investigation revealed anemia, neutrophilia, severe dental disease, a superficial corneal ulcer of the left eye, and a retrobulbar abscess. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Stomatoscopy-aided dental trimming, tooth removal, and abscess debridement were performed. Antimicrobials were flushed into the tooth abscess cavity, and antimicrobial treatment was initiated on the basis of cytologic findings and results of bacterial culture and susceptibility testing. Two months after the initial surgery, minimal exophthalmia was evident and no further physical, radiographic, or ultrasonographic changes were evident. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Stomatoscopy is a valuable technique that can facilitate diagnosis, treatment, and serial reevaluation of rabbits with dental disease.     

Vertebral body osteomyelitis in the horse

Over a 4-year period, vertebral body abscess was diagnosed in 5 young cattle. The laboratory findings in most of these cases did not suggest a diagnosis of vertebral body abscess. The most important basis for diagnosis of this condition was a thorough neurologic examination. In 4 cases, necropsy revealed abscesses in the lungs or thoracic cavity as well, suggesting that a history of pneumonia preceding paresis may favor the diagnosis of vertebral body abscess.     

Necrotising fasciitis due to Prevotella bivia in a cat

A 15-year-old domestic shorthair cat was evaluated for an acute onset of jaw swelling and anorexia. A small area of skin discoloration, left mandibular subcutaneous soft swelling and dehydration were noted on physical examination. Fine needle aspirate findings of the mass were compatible with an abscess. After 8 hours of supportive and antimicrobial treatment, a large area of necrotic skin was noted. The cat was taken to surgery and an aggressive debridement was performed. The histopathology findings were compatible with necrotising fasciitis and dermatitis.     

Ultrasonographic findings of an ovarian abscess in a cow

Ultrasonographic examination was carried out in a cow with an ovarian abscess. Real time ultrasound scanning using a 7.5 MHz linear probe per rectum revealed an active left ovary with follicles of up to 11 mm in diameter and an enlarged right ovary measuring 6 x 6 cm, with a mass of 4 x 3 cm. The mass had varied echotexture, a thick hyperechoic boundary and a hypoechoic centre with echoic foci. It was tentatively diagnosed as an ovarian tumour or abscess. After ovariectomy, grossly the right ovary measured 6 x 6 x 5 cm and on cutting cheesy pus oozed out. The abscess was completely localised within the ovary, 4 cm in diameter and encapsulated thickly. On bacteriological examination Staphylococcus spp. was isolated. This is a rare case of ovarian abscess.     

Pancreatic abscess in 36 dogs: a retrospective analysis of prognostic indicators

Thirty-six dogs were diagnosed with pancreatic abscess by the presence of purulent exudate within the parenchyma of the pancreas during exploratory laparotomy. Data regarding history, physical examination findings, clinicopathological data, diagnostic imaging findings, bacteriological culture results, abdominal drainage technique, and perioperative treatment were evaluated for factors predictive of survival. Elevated blood urea nitrogen, serum alkaline phosphatase activity, and rising bicarbonate ion concentration were each found to have statistically significant (P<0.05) influences on survival to discharge. Twenty-two (71%) of 36 dogs died or were euthanized prior to discharge from the hospital.     

ULTRASOUND AS AN AID FOR DIAGNOSIS OF OVARIAN ABSCESSES IN TWO MARES

This report describes two mares presented for evaluation of anorexia, fever of unknown origin, and weight loss. Clinical examination, laboratory findings, and transrectal ultrasonographic images suggested ovarian abscessation. One mare was successfully treated medically. Because of financial considerations, the second mare was euthanatized and a postmortem examination was performed. At necropsy, there was an enlarged right ovary with an adhesion to the large colon. Microscopic findings were characteristic of an ovarian abscess.     

Vertebral body abscesses in cattle: a review of five cases

Over a 4-year period, vertebral body abscess (VBA) was diagnosed in 5 young cattle at the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine. Review of these cases indicated that laboratory findings may not support a diagnosis of VBA and that the most important basis for diagnosis of this condition is a thorough neurologic examination. In 4 cases, necropsy revealed abscesses in the lungs or thoracic cavity as well, suggesting that a history of pneumonia preceding paresis may favor the diagnosis of VBA.     

Left perinephric abscess associated with nephrolithiasis and bladder calculi in a bitch

An eight-year-old, entire female Pekingese cross, weighing 3.8 kg, had been inappetent with fever, depression, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea for seven days. The radiographic and ultrasonographic findings were consistent with glomerulonephritis, nephrolithiasis in both kidneys, bladder calculi and an accumulation of fluid in the left perinephric space. The clinical signs, together with the results of the diagnostic imaging, suggested that this fluid could be pus. A definitive diagnosis of a subcapsular abscess in the left kidney was established when this kidney was removed surgically. A histopathological examination of the kidney revealed a diffuse suppurative interstitial nephritis, membranous glomerulonephritis and an abscess invading the perinephric adipose tissue from the renal cortex. Twelve months after surgery the dog remains clinically stable, but owing to the disease of its remaining kidney its long-term prognosis is poor.     

Liver abscesses in Holstein dairy cattle: 18 cases (1992-2003)

BACKGROUND: The characteristic clinical manifestations, clinicopathologic findings, treatment, and outcome of dairy cattle with liver abscess are poorly defined. ANIMALS: The study included 18 Holstein cows with liver abscesses. METHODS: A retrospective study of medical records was performed. Cattle with liver abscess were identified by ultrasound examination or exploratory laparotomy. RESULTS: The most common reason for examination was anorexia (14/18). Five cows had fever, 5 were bradycardic, and 5 were tachycardic. Peritonitis (n=6) and vagal indigestion (n=4) were the most frequently associated diseases. Neutrophilia (n=14), hyperfibrinogenemia (n=11), and high serum globulin concentration (n=10) were characteristic of chronic inflammation. Evidence of liver disease on serum biochemistry profile was uncommon. The most common bacterium isolated from the abscess was Arcanobacterium pyogenes (n=4). Anaerobic bacteria were isolated frequently (n=7). There were 6 polymicrobial isolates, with both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, out of 8 positive samples. Medical treatment was successful in 5 of 7 cattle. Five cows were euthanized and postmortem examination revealed 2 cattle with thrombosis of caudal vena cava. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Holstein dairy cattle affected by liver abscess exhibit no pathognomonic clinical signs. Clinicopathologic findings were often consistent with a chronic active inflammation. Liver abscesses should be included in the differential diagnosis in cattle with a chronic inflammatory process, cranial peritonitis, or vagal indigestion. Prolonged treatment with antimicrobials might be successful.     

Case report: tenesmus in a cow with a liver abscess and nephritis

A two-year-old Swiss Braunvieh cow was referred to our clinic because of tenesmus and weight loss. Clinical examination revealed a moderately abnormal general behaviour and condition, thin body condition and a rectal temperature of 40.1 degrees C. Tenesmus was evident, and rumen and intestinal motility were markedly reduced. All tests for a reticular foreign body were positive. On rectal examination, a round, smooth, firm, non-painful mass with a diameter of approximately 15 cm was palpated far cranially on the right side. Abnormal haematological and biochemical findings included marked anaemia, neutrophilic leucocytosis, markedly elevated concentration of fibrinogen and mildly elevated gamma-glutamyl-transferase activity. The clotting time of the glutaraldehyde test was one minute. Ultrasonographic examination revealed abscesses involving the liver and extending caudally into the right flank region. The liver parenchyma had diffuse changes. Because of a grave prognosis, the cow was euthanized. Postmortem findings substantiated ultrasonographic results; there were abscesses, caused by Fasciola hepatica infestation, originating in the liver and extending into the right flank. As well, there was severe, bilateral, multifocal, suppurative nephritis due to thromboembolism. Based on all the findings, a diagnosis of liver abscess caused by fascioliasis and bilateral suppurative nephritis was made.     

Brain Abscess in a 4-Month-Old Filly: A Case Report

Although recognized as a possible complication to sepsis, there are few published reports on brain abscesses in foals. This case report describes a 4-month-old Icelandic filly that, as a neonate, had a history of pyrexia and lameness, which resolved with antibiotic treatment. Approximately 3 months later, the foal developed neurological signs which were initially attributed to trauma; she was referred for further investigation. The clinical signs were consistent with a lesion of the right forebrain. Computed tomography examination revealed a mass, approximately 6 cm in diameter, located in the right cerebral hemisphere craniolateral to the right lateral ventricle. Because of the poor prognosis, the foal was killed, and a postmortem was performed. The findings confirmed the presence of an abscess of the right cerebral hemisphere, leading to severe atrophy of the cortex and dilation of both lateral ventricles. The left hemisphere was moderate-to-severe atrophic and had displaced to the left. Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus was isolated in pure culture from the abscess. The clinical features of the foal were compared with the pathological findings.     

Brainstem and cranial nerve abnormalities: listeriosis, otitis media/interna, and pituitary abscess syndrome.

This article reviews three disorders associated with multiple asymmetric cranial nerve deficits in ruminants: encephalitic listeriosis,otitis media/interna, and pituitary abscess syndrome. Emphasis is placed on encephalitic listeriosis, an infectious disease of the brainstem and cranial nerves caused by Listeria monocytogenes.The epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis,and treatment of encephalitic listeriosis are reviewed, and differences between cattle and small ruminants are noted. Physical and neurologic examination findings that distinguish otitis media/interna and pituitary abscess syndrome from encephalitic listeriosis are highlighted.     

Surgical management of an abdominal abscess in a Malayan tapir

A captive Malayan tapir was observed to have inappetence, weight loss, signs of depression, mild dehydration and diar rhoea. Haematological and serum biochemical tests showed anaemia, hypoproteinaemia, hyperfibrinogenaemia and neu-trophilia with a left shift. Ultrasonic examination of the abdomen under anaesthesia revealed a well-encapsulated abscess. The abscess was marsupialised to the ventral body wall. Culture of the pus produced a mixed bacterial growth. Antimicrobial therapy was based on bacterial sensitivity results. Follow-up ultrasonic examinations showed resolution of the abscess. Ninety-one days after surgery the tapir began regurgitating food and water. An abscess originating from the stomach and occluding the lumen of the duodenum was identified at surgery. The abscess ruptured during surgical manipulations and the tapir was euthanased.     

Brain abscess in a Japanese black calf: utility of computed tomography (CT)

Computed tomography (CT) was used for diagnosis of brain abscess in a 6-month-old, Japanese black calf presented with neurological dysfunction, compulsive circling and vision disturbance. CT images showed asymmetric lateral ventricles, and presence of intra-cranial multiple low absorption lesions surrounded by capsule suggestive of abscess in the right cerebral hemisphere. Postmortem examination revealed marked swelling of right cerebral hemisphere and olfactory bulb. Multilocular large abscess containing creamy pus was found to occupy most area of periventricular and lateral ventricle. Fusobacterium necrophrum was isolated from the abscess contents as the causative agent. These results demonstrate that CT is useful tool for tentative diagnosis of bovine brain abscess.     

Caudal mediastinal abscess due to a grass awn (Hordeum spp) in a cat

A two-and-a-half year-old male, domestic shorthaired cat was presented with a history of chronic expiratory dyspnoea, dysphagia and progressive weight loss. Thoracic radiography revealed a caudal mediastinal mass. Surgical exploration confirmed the presence of an abscess in the caudal mediastinum. Despite the good prognosis, euthanasia was performed at the owner's request and post-mortem examination revealed an abscess that had been caused by a grass awn located within.     

Computed tomographic myelography of a foal with discospondylitis and extradural spinal cord compression due to a vertebral abscess

A one‐month‐old Quarter Horse colt presented with progressive gait abnormalities and weakness. The foal was ataxic at presentation. Radiography identified focal endplate irregularities and lysis at C6–7. Radiographic diagnosis was discospondylitis. Computed tomographic myelography was performed immediately following euthanasia and identified an extradural compressive spinal cord lesion corresponding to the site of discospondylitis. Post mortem examination findings included abscess formation at the C6–7 intervertebral space with osteomyelitis extending into the adjacent physes and subchondral bone of caudal C6 and cranial C7. The vertebral abscess extended into the ventral spinal canal at C6–7 and was identified as the cause of extradural spinal cord compression. Salmonella sp. was cultured and isolated from purulent exudate at the intervertebral space. Computed tomographic myelography has not been previously reported for assessment of discospondylitis in horses and was successful at accurately characterising spinal cord compression in addition to osteolytic changes associated with discospondylitis.     

Clinical and pathological findings in a goat with cerebral gliomatosis

This report describes a buck with cerebral gliomatosis. The animal was severely apathetic to somnolent. Neurological examination revealed generalised ataxia and hyper-metria of the fore limbs. There was bilateral mydriasis and severely decreased menace and pupillary light reflexes. Sensitivity to pricking with a needle was markedly reduced over the entire body. There was a delayed response to adduction, abduction and crossing of the limbs and rocking of the animal. Examination of cerebrospinal fluid indicated mild mixed-cell inflammation. Based on all of the findings, an abscess or tumour of the central nervous system with localisation in the cerebrum was suspected. Because of the grave prognosis, the goat was euthanased and a post mortem examination performed. No macroscopic abnormalities were seen in any of the organs including the brain. Histologically, there was extensive diffuse glial cell hyperplasia in the white matter of the cerebral hemispheres and in the brain stem.     

Extraperitoneal incisional abscess formation after colic surgery in 3 horses

In this article we report 3 horses that developed an extraperitoneal abscess after colic surgery at the incision site. All 3 horses presented with nonspecific clinical signs and extraperitoneal abscess was diagnosed from ultrasound evaluations and cytological examination of abscess aspirates. One horse developed dehiscence of the incision after drainage of the abscess through the incision. In 2 cases a small standing paramedian incision was performed through which the abscess was drained and lavaged; complete resolution of the abscess and healing of the incision was achieved in both cases. Extraperitoneal abscess is a previously unreported incisional complication after colic surgery in horses. Early and careful ultrasonographic examination of the abdominal incision is required for diagnosis in cases with nonspecific clinical signs. A paramedian incision through the rectus abdominis muscle into the abscess cavity permitted adequate drainage and debridement of the abscess in 2 cases.     

Surgical Treatment of an Abdominal Abscess Caused by a Migrating Iron Wire From the Ventral Colon,a Case Report

A 13-year-old mare presented for evaluation of recurrent colic episodes. The horse was diagnosed with a mass within the spleen at the ultrasound examination of the abdomen; the levels of Serum Amyloid A and the fibrinogen were high and so a presumptive diagnosis of an abscess involving the spleen was made base on clinical, ultrasonographic and laboratory findings and it was decided to perform n exploratory laparotomy for a definitive diagnosis and possible treatment. Upon abdominal exploration a mass involving the spleen, the lateral wall of the ventral colon adherent to the left abdominal wall was diagnosed and with an intraoperative ultrasound examination a linear hyperechoic foreign body was diagnosed within the mass. It was removed through an enterotomy of the left ventral colon that allowed the digital exploration of the mass without spilling of pus within the peritoneal cavity. The horse was discharged and the long term follow-up revealed no complications and no more signs of abdominal pain.