[Retropharyngeal abscess in cattle. A case report].

This case report describes history, clinical, laboratory, radiographic, and endoscopic findings, therapy, and outcome of a 5-year-old cow, suffering from retropharyngeal abscessation. Clinical findings at admission included elevated body temperature, head and neck held in extended position, excessive salivation, swelling of the retropharyngeal area, and slight inspiratory noise. Radiographic and endoscopic examination confirmed the tentative diagnosis of retropharyngeal abscessation. Treatment consisted of parenteral application of procaine-penicillin for 10 days and local application of linseed rubefacients for 2 weeks. At that time, abscessation had developed. The abscess was subsequently surgically, approached by a modified Whitehouse approach. During this procedure, the abscess drained into the oropharynx, allowing interruption of surgery. Five months later, clinical, radiographic, and endoscopic follow-up examination revealed complete healing of the retropharyngeal abscess.