Dottie, a 16-month-old, 36-lb (16.2-kg) spayed English springer spaniel, was referred to the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center (UMVMC) Emergency Service in respiratory distress. Before her presentation at the UMVMC, Dottie had been evaluated at her regular veterinary clinic for heavy breathing, weight loss, and a fever. The owner reported that Dottie, a hunting dog that was frequently in the field, had been in Montana 1 month previously. Although she had no known history of trauma, she had experienced gradual weight loss and a slightly increased respiratory rate and effort over the past month. Antibiotic therapy had been initiated, but no improvement was seen; therefore, Dottie was returned to the clinic several days later. Althoughshe had a normal body temperature, her condition otherwise had worsened clinically. She now had deep, labored breathing, an occasional cough, and a decreased appetite. Thoracic radiographs were taken and showed marked bilateral pleural effusion. Tho-racocentesis yielded purulent fluid with cytology consisting primarily of neutrophils; therefore, a diagnosis of pyothorax was made. Dottie was referred to the UMVMC for further evaluation and treatment.
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