Copper, a 5-year-old male red Labrador, was presented to the emergency service on a Friday night with increasingly difficult and noisy breathing.
The emergency vet, Dani, could immediately see how serious the situation was and admitted Copper for further investigation.
An ultrasound examination of the chest showed a build-up of fluid around the lungs, which was preventing them from inflating fully and causing the increased breathing effort. With the help of sedation, the vet was able to drain 300 ml of fluid, which appeared to be pus.
Copper was immediately started on intravenous antibiotics for a condition known as pyothorax, while samples were prepared to send to the laboratory to check for bacterial growth and to look for any useful information from the cells within the fluid.
The following day, Copper was still quiet and his breathing effort remained abnormal. Vet Katie placed an indwelling chest drain, allowing a more thorough removal of fluid, followed by repeated flushing of the space around the lungs to help clear as much infection as possible.
A CT scan was performed to gather any further knowledge on his condition and to rule out other underlying problems.
Copper remained in hospital for about a week, where he received intensive 24-hour care from our veterinary nurses to continue removing fluid buildup from around his lungs.
By the middle of the week, he was much brighter, eating well, and had clearly turned a corner. The chest drain was removed, and Copper was able to go home for the weekend.
He has since returned for two rechecks, and his progress has been remarkable. Everyone is very pleased with how well he has done and with what a brave patient he was throughout such a difficult illness.
Copper’s owners were extremely grateful for the care given to their beloved dog to get him through this life threatening challenge.
Cases like Copper’s highlight how important rapid assessment, intensive nursing care, and ongoing monitoring can be in helping critically ill patients recover.
We are delighted to see him doing so well and wish him continued good health.
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