Empyema of the spinal cord or brain in pets - Symptoms & treatment

Empyema is an accumulation of pus around the brain or spinal cord. It results from a bacterial infection and can cause severe neurological symptoms. Empyema is relatively rare in pets, but life-threatening when it occurs. 

In this article, we discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of empyema in dogs and cats.

What is empyema?

Empyema is an accumulation of pus caused by a bacterial infection. In pets, this can occur around the brain and spinal cord. The infection leads to increased pressure, inflammation, and/or damage to the nervous tissue.

Which animals are at risk?

Empyema is rare in both dogs and cats. It usually arises secondary to another infection, such as an ear infection, nasal infection, bite wounds, or after surgery. Immunocompromised animals are at higher risk.

Causes of empyema

The main causes are:

• Bacterial spread from ear or nasal infections
• Bacteremia (spread through the bloodstream)
• Trauma or surgery through which bacteria enter
• Infections following bite wounds or abscesses

Symptoms in dogs and cats

Symptoms depend on the location of the empyema:

• Fever and lethargy
• Severe neck or back pain
• Neurological deficits such as ataxia or paralysis

Diagnosis of empyema

The diagnosis is made using medical imaging (MRI or CT), which reveals the accumulation of pus. A cerebrospinal fluid tap often shows elevated inflammatory cells and bacteria. Blood tests can provide indications of a systemic infection.

Treatment of empyema

Medication

The foundation of treatment is long-term antibiotic therapy, often combined with pain medication. The choice of antibiotic is ideally based on culture results.

Surgical treatment

In severe cases of empyema or when there is insufficient response to medication, surgery may be necessary. The goal is to drain the pus and remove infected tissue to relieve pressure and inflammation on the brain or spinal cord.

Recovery and prognosis

The prognosis for empyema is guarded to serious. Early diagnosis and treatment increase the chances of recovery, but permanent neurological damage is possible. In cases diagnosed late or with extensive infection, the prognosis is often poor.

Want to know more?

Read more about our services in neurology, internal medicine, and surgery. Our specialized veterinarians at Nesto have experience treating serious infections such as empyema and guide you and your pet through intensive care and recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is an empyema?

An accumulation of pus around the brain or spinal cord, usually caused by a bacterial infection.

Is empyema common in pets?

No, it is rare in dogs and cats, but very serious when it occurs.

How is an empyema diagnosed?

With imaging (MRI/CT), cerebrospinal fluid tap, and blood tests.

How is it treated?

With long-term antibiotics and sometimes surgery to drain the pus.

What is the prognosis?

Caution: early treatment increases the chances of recovery, but permanent neurological damage is possible.