Cat rescued via decortication of the lung lobe and pleura for matured pyothorax: A case report

This report describes a cat rescued from a severe pyothorax with decortication. A 3-year-old cat was presented with severe dyspnea. Radiography revealed pyothorax and a chest tube was placed, followed by administration of antibiotics. With treatment, the dyspnea temporary improved, but the cat presented again dyspnea and a pleural effusion. The severe effusion caused respiratory distress and the cat developed life-threatening dyspnea. A median sternotomy was performed, and the entire lung lobe was found to be shrunken with fibrous membrane coverage. Decortication, a gentle peeling of the membrane from the lung lobe, significantly improved its expansion and dyspnea improved after surgery. Pyothorax is successfully treated with antibiotics and effusion drainage. However, patients who do not respond to conventional treatment should be treated aggressively with surgery, which is the last option despite the risk of aesthesia or surgery itself. Therefore, this case supports the use of surgery for severe pyothorax.