Spinal epidural empyema associated with paravertebral and sublumbar abscesses in two dogs. Diagnosis with computed tomography and myelography

Purulent material through the epidural space of the spinal canal is known as epidural empyema. It is has been rarely reported in dogs and cats. This article describes the clinical signs, ancillary tests, treatment and prognosis of two dogs with spinal epidural empyema highlighting the use of computed tomography (CT) combined with the intrathecal administration of iodinated contrast medium (myelo-CT) as a diagnostic tool. The location of the spinal cord lesion, and the associated paravertebral, sublumbar and vertebral lesions were demonstrated with this technique. In none of the cases the source of infection was identified, even though the radiological and ultrasonographic findings indicated a foreign body migration as the most likely cause.