Case report: Management of generalized infection and draining tracts of the frontomaxillary region in a dog

TL;DR

This case report describes the successful treatment of a dog with a chronic facial infection and multiple draining tracts using a staged surgical and medical approach.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel staged treatment strategy for complex maxillofacial infections in dogs.

Findings

A staged procedure involving diagnostics, antimicrobial therapy, and surgical repair effectively managed the infection.

Follow-up imaging showed successful tissue healing and remodeling after treatment.

Extraoral and intraoral approaches were both necessary for complete repair of the draining tracts.

Abstract

This study aims to report the surgical and medical management of generalized chronic maxillofacial infection with multiple intra- and extraoral draining tracts in a dog.

A 6 years-old, male neutered pit bull terrier dog underwent a staged procedure. First, a diagnostic work-up including hematologic and biochemical analysis, conventional computed tomography (CT) with contrast of the skull, and a rhinoscopic evaluation of the draining tracts was performed. Samples were obtained for histopathological, microbial, and fungal testing. Second, a 4 week course of antimicrobials based on culture and sensitivity results was administered. Third, an extraoral approach to soft tissue reconstruction was accomplished as a first stage in the repair process. Finally, an intraoral approach to repair the oronasal fistulous draining tracts was performed. A 6 months follow-up skull CT revealed various stages of repair and remodeling and adequate soft tissue healing.

A staged procedure is a suitable option to treat chronic and generalized frontal and maxillary infection with multiple intra- and extraoral fistulous draining tracts in dogs.

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