Fibrosing Mediastinitis in a 5-Year-Old Labrador Retriever

Fibrosing mediastinitis (FM) is a rare but serious condition characterized by excessive fibrous tissue proliferation in the mediastinum, often leading to compression of vital structures. Although considered benign, in people, clinical manifestations of FM can range from asymptomatic incidental findings on imaging studies to severe respiratory compromise and hemodynamic instability. While documented in people, FM has not yet been reported in dogs.

A 5-year-old male neutered Labrador Retriever presented with progressive respiratory distress, leading to pleural effusion and facial swelling. Thoracic radiographs revealed mediastinal mass-like structures and pleural effusion. Computed tomography demonstrated a mediastinal mass-like structure, enlarged tracheobronchial lymph nodes, multifocal narrowing of lobar bronchi and pulmonary veins and compression of the oesophagus and trachea. The dog was humanely euthanized due to poor response to empiric therapy and the owner's perception of suffering. A post-mortem examination confirmed severe chronic mediastinal inflammation with fibrosis and vasculitis consistent with fibrosing mediastinitis.

This report presents a unique case of FM in a dog.