Timing to surgery was not associated with outcome in dogs undergoing thoracic surgery for pyothorax: clinical findings and risk factors for survival in 157 dogs.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate clinical features and potential risk factors in dogs surgically treated for pyothorax.

METHODS

Medical records from 41 private referral hospitals were retrospectively searched for dogs that underwent thoracic surgery and had pyothorax diagnosed via cytologic or microbiologic review of pleural fluid samples. Data regarding signalment, clinical factors, perioperative complications, and outcomes were collected. Univariable logistic regressions were used to estimate ORs and test for the effects of risk factors on postoperative hospitalization duration, major complications, and survival to discharge. Log-likelihood P values and ORs with profile-likelihood OR confidence limits were reported.

RESULTS

157 client-owned dogs were included. A total of 140 dogs (89%) survived to discharge. Neither duration of signs (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.95 to 102) nor preoperative hospitalization (OR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.66 to 1.13) was associated with survival. Of the 157 dogs, 67 (43%) were noted to have complications requiring additional therapy. Abscessation was associated with shorter postoperative hospitalization duration compared to any other pyothorax etiology. Increased age (OR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.69 to 0.95), hyperglobulinemia (OR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.32 to 0.89), and increasing leukocyte count (OR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.88 to 0.96) were associated with decreased odds of survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Survival outcomes following thoracic surgery were good despite a high complication rate. Chronicity of disease prior to surgery for pyothorax may not have affected outcomes.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Risk factors associated with outcomes of canine pyothorax may guide treatment decisions for clinicians and clients. Careful case selection is indicated to determine which patients may benefit most from surgical intervention.