Computed tomographic findings of a medically managed canine renal cortical abscess

Abstract A 10‐year‐old, neutered, male labrador retriever was referred for acute history of abdominal pain and distention, pyrexia and pelvic limb ataxia. Peritoneal free fluid with intracellular bacteria was confirmed, and subsequent abdominal computed tomography revealed a hypoattenuating and rim‐enhancing focal lesion in the cortex of the left kidney, with associated regional inflammation. The dog underwent fine‐needle aspiration of the lesion with ultrasound guidance confirming the presence of a renal abscess with growth of Escherichia coli on culture of the acquired purulent intralesional fluid. Medical management was commenced, and on repeat clinical examination and computed tomography imaging, the clinical signs and renal lesion had resolved. To the authors’ best knowledge, this is the first report of confirmation of complete resolution of a cortical renal abscess, treated with only medical management, using computed tomography examination.