Use of a pleural access port for the of treatment of pyothorax in a cat

Background: Pyothorax in cats is treated with intravenous fluids, antibiotics and while thoracotomy and debridement are less commonly necessary, thoracostomy tubes are the treatment of choice when repeated drainage of the pleural cavity is needed. Case Description: An 11-month-old British short-haired cat was presented for a sudden onset of lethargy, dyspnoea, and tachypnoea following an ovariohysterectomy 10 days prior the treatment process. Pyrexia and muffled cardiac sounds on the left hemithorax were noted. A haemogram indicated the development of anaemia and neutrophilia with a left shift. Radiography and ultrasonography confirmed a pleural effusion, and a CT scan ruled out the presence of any masses or perforating foreign bodies. A PCR on the pleural effusion ruled out Feline Coronavirus infection, and fluid analysis was confirmed as a septic exudate with Pasteurella multocida infection. A pleural access port was used to treat the pyothorax that successfully reduced hospitalisation time and lowered overall financial outlay despite surgical implantation. Conclusion: The present report describes the successful use of a pleural port to treat pyothorax in one cat. This is the first time such a device has been reported for the treatment of pyothorax.