Retroperitoneal Abscess Associated With a Migrating Grass Awn in a Cat: Treatment With Omentalization and Grass Awn Removal

Top Companion Anim Med. 2018 Dec;33(4):97-99. doi: 10.1053/j.tcam.2018.08.007. Epub 2018 Aug 29.

Abstract

An 18-month-old domestic short hair male castrated cat presented with a history of fever of unknown origin of 1-year duration. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a mixed echogenicity mass. Cytological examination of the fluid obtained through fine needle aspiration was consistent with a retroperitoneal abscess. The cat underwent a midline celiotomy and the abscess was opened, lavaged, and omentalized. Antibiotics were also administered. Two months after surgery, the cat represented with a fluctuant swelling in the right flank region at the lumbodorsal triangle. Abdominal and mass ultrasound showed a mixed echogenicity swelling in the right flank. Under gas anesthesia, the swelling was surgically explored and a 0.4 cm long grass awn was found and removed. Telephone communication with the owners 6 months after surgery found the cat to be free of clinical signs.

Keywords: cat; grass awn; omentalization; retroperitoneal abscess.

MeSH terms

  • Abscess / diagnostic imaging
  • Abscess / etiology
  • Abscess / surgery
  • Abscess / veterinary*
  • Animals
  • Cat Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Cat Diseases / etiology
  • Cat Diseases / surgery
  • Cats
  • Foreign Bodies / diagnostic imaging
  • Foreign Bodies / surgery
  • Foreign Bodies / veterinary
  • Male
  • Plant Components, Aerial / adverse effects*
  • Poaceae*
  • Retroperitoneal Space
  • Ultrasonography / veterinary