Unilateral renal subcapsular abscess associated with Escherichia coli infection in a Dog

Abstract

Occurrence of renal abscess is uncommon in canine practice. A sixteen-month-old female Saint Bernard dog was presented to the medicine unit of University Veterinary Hospital, Kokkalai, Kerala with a complaint of anorexia, fever, reduced urination and black coloured watery faeces for the past 3 days. On clinical examination, dog was found dull, dehydrated, emaciated and evinced pain on palpation of sub-lumbar region. Blood picture showed leucocytosis, anaemia and azotemia. Ultrasonogram revealed a round hypoechoic structure within the capsule of right kidney suggestive of abscess. On ultrasound-guided percutaneous aspiration a bloodtinged purulent material was obtained which on culture produced Escherichia. coli organisms. The case was diagnosed as unilateral renal subcapsular abscess due to Escherichia. coli infection. Antibiotic treatment and supportive therapy were unsuccessful in saving the patient. This report describes a rare case of renal failure and unilateral renal subcapsular abscess associated with Escherichia. coli infection in a dog.