Short- and long-term outcome in cats diagnosed with pyothorax: 47 cases (2009-2018).

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this retrospective study were to report the short- and long-term outcome in cats treated for pyothorax and to identify prognostic indicators as well as determine recurrence rate. METHODS: Medical records from April 2009 to August 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Cases were included if a diagnosis of pyothorax was confirmed via cytology and/or culture of pleural fluid. Cats diagnosed with or suspected of having other thoracic diseases and cats with no evidence of pleural effusion were excluded from the study. RESULTS: Fifty-five cats met the inclusion criteria. Eighty five percent (n=47) cats underwent medical management with thoracostomy tubes, pleural lavage and broad-spectrum antibiotics. Fifteen percent (n=5) cases failed medical treatment and underwent thoracotomy. Twenty eight percent (n=13) did not survive to hospital discharge. Short-term survival (14 days) was achieved in 72% (n=34). Long-term follow-up was available for 31 of 34 with a long-term survival rate of 68% (n=30). The recurrence rate was 6% (n=2). CONCLUSION: For cats with pyothorax that survive to discharge the prognosis is excellent and the condition is associated with a low recurrence rate.