HEPATIC-ABSCESSES IN 13 DOGS - A REVIEW OF THE ULTRASONOGRAPHIC FINDINGS, CLINICAL-DATA AND THERAPEUTIC OPTIONS

Historical, physical examination, clinicopathologic, radiographic and ultrasonographic findings of 13 dogs with hepatic abscesses were revie wed. Liver abscessation was characterized by number, size, shape, echo genicity and location. Solitary lesions greater than 3 cm were more co mmon than multiple ones, The abscesses were mainly poorly echogenic le sions, often with central cavitation, The shape of the lesion ranged f rom round to oval or irregular. Enhancement artifact, abdominal effusi on, regional lymphadenopathy and hyperechoic perihepatic fat, were ide ntified in several dogs, Ultrasound-guided aspiration was performed in 10 of 13 dogs, and confirmed abscessation with cytologic and microbio logic evaluation, Ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage of abscesses was performed as an adjunct to medical management in four dogs.