abs: Deep Neck Infections in Dogs
_{Management of Trauma and Burns}

Deep neck infections (DNIs) are well described in humans; however, limited literature exists on canine DNIs. The objective of this study was to describe clinical features, treatment, and outcomes in dogs undergoing surgical treatment of DNIs. A retrospective record review was completed with data collected including clinical signs, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), diagnostic imaging, surgical, and histopathologic findings, and follow-up. Spearman correlation and Wilcoxan rank sum were used to compare variables to NLR. All 19 dogs had cervical swelling; nine (9/19, 47%) were febrile. On CT, a distinct mass/abscess (7/13, 54%) or abscessed lymph node (4/13, 31%) were common, with contrast enhancement (10/13, 77%), fluid tracking (8/13, 62%), and displacement of the trachea/pharynx/larynx (6/13, 46%) also frequently seen. Foreign material was suspected on CT in 4 dogs (4/13, 31%) and was identified at surgery or histopathology in 4 dogs (4/19, 21%), only 1 of which was suspected on CT. Histopathology most commonly revealed pyogranulomatous inflammation (14/15, 93%). NLR was moderately correlated to a decreased duration of clinical signs before presentation (ρ=-0.548, P=0.035) and an increased length of hospitalization (ρ=0.645, P=0.009). Polymicrobial infections were common (8/19, 42%). Broad-spectrum empirical antibiotics were commonly prescribed; change in antibiotic following culture was uncommon (3/19, 16%). Eighteen dogs with long-term follow-up had complete resolution of clinical signs. Limitations include the retrospective nature, small sample size, and inclusion of only surgical cases. CT was useful to plan for surgery. Surgical treatment resulted in resolution of clinical signs in all dogs with long-term follow-up.