Resolution of a caudal mediastinal paraoesophageal empyema in a cat without surgical intervention

Abstract A 5‐year‐old, male, neutered European shorthair cat presented with hyporexia and acute respiratory distress of 2 weeks. Thoracic radiographs showed pleural effusion and two round masses in the dorsal thoracic cavity. Computed tomography revealed a caudal mediastinal paraoesophageal empyema, and there were no signs of a foreign body. The cat was hospitalised for stabilisation, analgesia and bilateral placement of thoracic drains for lavage and drainage. Due to financial limitations, medical therapy was initiated with intravenous amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, which was continued orally for a total period of 4 weeks. Three weeks after the antibiotic treatment, a follow‐up computed tomography scan was performed and showed full resolution of the caudal mediastinal paraoesophageal empyema.