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Published on: January 22, 2010
Presumptive subdural empyema in a dog
Taemi Horikawa1, Edward MacKillop, Anne Bahr
1Animal Eye Center, Rocklin, CA (T.H.); Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center, Pittsburgh, PA (E.M.); and PetRays Veterinary Radiology Consultants, The Woodlands, TX (A.B.).
Abstract:
A 13 mo old mixed-breed dog was referred for acute lateralized forebrain signs. MRI of the brain demonstrated abnormalities consistent with severe meningitis and subdural empyema secondary to a retrobulbar abscess. The dog's clinical signs improved with antibiotic therapy, and repeat imaging showed resolution of subdural fluid accumulation presumed to be empyema with mild residual meningeal enhancement. Subdural empyema is an infrequent cause of encephalopathy in small animals and usually develops through direct extension of a pericranial infection. This report presents a case of presumptive subdural empyema in a dog that was successfully treated without surgical intervention. MRI is the preferred imaging modality for diagnosis of subdural empyema, and the characteristic imaging features are described.
Insights
A dog with brain abnormalities, likely meningitis and subdural empyema, showed improvement with antibiotics alone. This case highlights successful non-surgical treatment for this rare canine condition.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Diagnostic Imaging in Animals
Background:
- Subdural empyema is a rare cause of encephalopathy in small animals.
- It typically arises from the direct spread of a nearby infection.
