Laser ablation and management of a retropharyngeal abscess caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis in a ram. Issue 2 (8th April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Copeland, Adam; Speckels, Amanda; Merkatoris, Paul; Breuer, Ryan M; Schleining, Jennifer A; Smith, Joseph
• Is Part Of: Veterinary record case reports. Volume 8:Issue 2(2020)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2020-04-08
• Subjects: Corynebacterium -- SHI -- tracheostomy -- florfenicol; Veterinary medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; Veterinary medicine -- Periodicals; 636.08905
• DOI: 10.1136/vetreccr-2019-001010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2052-6121

Abstract

Abstract : A one‐year‐old crossbred ram presented for acute respiratory distress. Initial diagnostics revealed compression of the pharynx by a spherical, avascular mass. The ram was initially managed with a tracheostomy, antimicrobials and non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatories. Advanced imaging confirmed a pharyngeal abscess which was lanced via endoscopic‐guided laser procedure. While synergistic haemolysin inhibition (SHI) testing was negative, Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis was cultured from the exudate, indicating a false negative result by the SHI test and the potential for a lack of reliability of this test in sheep with internal abscessation. Clinicians should be aware of the utility of diagnostic imaging as well as the use of endoscope‐guided laser procedures in areas where traditional surgical approaches are challenging, such as the upper airway of sheep.