Minimally invasive treatment and short‐term outcomes of a caudal mediastinal paraesophageal abscess (CMPA) in two dogs

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the presentation, diagnostic findings, surgical treatment via video‐assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), and short‐term outcomes of two dogs with caudal mediastinal paraesophageal abscesses (CMPA).AnimalsTwo client‐owned dogs.Study designRetrospective case series.MethodsTwo dogs presented for surgical treatment of a CMPA diagnosed on computed tomography. Both patients underwent thoracoscopic treatment in which the abscess was opened, debrided, and lavaged with a combination of sharp dissection and use of a vessel‐sealing device. One patient required partial conversion from total thoracoscopic treatment to a thoracoscopic‐assisted approach due to limited visualization of the caudal mediastinum.ResultsBoth dogs recovered uneventfully from surgery and were discharged 3 and 4 days postoperatively. Case 1 was re‐evaluated with their primary veterinarian 7 days postoperatively and was reported to be doing very well. Case 2 returned 69 days postoperatively for examination and thoracic radiographs. Physical examination was unremarkable and thoracic radiography identified mildly increased soft tissue opacity in the region of the esophagus. Telephone follow‐up with both owners 7 months postoperatively revealed return to normal activity, and normal breathing.ConclusionVATS appeared to be a feasible surgical approach for treatment of CMPA in dogs. Surgical intervention resolved clinical signs and resulted in a successful outcome in both cases.