Caudal mediastinal paraesophageal abscesses in 7 dogs

To report clinical, imaging, and surgical findings associated with caudal mediastinal paraesophageal abscesses (CMPA) in dogs and outcome after surgical treatment.

Case series.

Dogs (n = 7) with CMPA.

Medical records (April 2005-January 2010) were reviewed for dogs with CMPA treated surgically. Retrieved data were signalment, history, clinical findings, diagnostic investigations, surgical findings, surgical procedures performed, and postoperative recovery. Long-term follow-up information was obtained by telephone questionnaire of owners and referring veterinarians.

Median sternotomy (5 dogs) or lateral thoracotomy (2 dogs) was used for access to CMPA, which were drained and partially debrided surgically. In 5 dogs, omentalization of the abscess cavity was performed through a diaphragmatic incision. Foreign material was not identified within any abscess. All dogs were discharged from the hospital and had full recovery.

CMPA should be suspected when there is regurgitation and pyrexia associated with a mass or enlargement in the caudal mediastinum. CMPA appears to have a good prognosis after aggressive surgical therapy.