Pyothorax in a cat due to Acinetobacter spp. infection : a case report

Abstract

A 3-month-old kitten weighing 1.05 kg was presented to the University veterinary hospital at Kokkalai in Thrissur district of Kerala, India, with the complaint of open-mouth breathing, lethargy and complete anorexia for the past three days, and weight loss. Detailed clinical examination revealed inspiratory dyspnoea without stridor, tachypnoea, muffled lung and heart sounds on auscultation, pale mucous membrane, and weak pulse. Haematology revealed leukocytosis with granulocytosis and monocytosis. Thoracic radiography, ultrasonography and thoracocentesis confirmed pyothorax. Microbial culture of thoracic aspirate revealed heavy growth of Acinetobacte spp. The cat responded to parenteral therapy with ceftiofur followed by cefixime orally for 21 days. Doxycycline was prescribed for concurrent mycoplasmosis. Thoracic radiograph 10 days later revealed a significant reduction in pleural fluid. A review of the case two months later found that the kitten recovered uneventfully. A rare case of Acinetobacter spp. associated pyothorax and its medical management in a cat is reported. The clinical manifestations, radiographic changes and ultrasonographic findings were discussed.