Pyothorax in nine dogs

The results of treatment of pyothorax using systemic antibiotics, drainage, and lavage of the pleural space, are reported for 9 dogs, All 9 dogs recov ered completely. In 8 of the 9 dogs the follow-up period was at least 6 mon ths and in none was there a relapse. The results obtained with this treatme nt are excellent in comparison with the results that have been reported for treatment with systemic antibiotics and drainage of the pleural space but without lavage, Apart from the addition of pleural lavage to the treatment protocol, the better result might be because migrating plant related foreig n bodies did not seem to play an important role in the pathogenesis of pyot horax in this group of dogs.