Abstract:
A two
-year old, 38kg
-wt male Labrador was presented for management because of progressive exercise
intolerance. At
presentation, rectal temperature was 38.5
o
C, pulse rate was135 beats per minute (but weak).
There was ascites along with oedema of the extremities. The heart sound was muffled and
pulsus paradoxus
was
very mild. The patient was well hydrated. Thoracic radi
ography revealed a globoid shaped heart occupying most of
the equatorial thoracic volume; there was loss of details of cardiac silhouette and there was dorsal deviation of
trachea at carina. Ultrasonography revealed a distinct epicardium, pericardium and a
very wide anechoic space in
between. Blood picture was within normal findings. Idiopathic chronic pericardial effusion was diagnosed.
Ultrasound
-guided pericardiocentesis was carried out using a 16 gauge over the needle catheter attached to a 3
-
way stop
cock and a 20mls syringe; about 65mls of clear effusate was aspirated. Laboratory analysis of the effusate
revealed that it was a transudate. The patient was placed on 3mg/kg furosemide, twice daily for 5 days and the
patient returned to gradual exercise d
uring hospitalization. Oedema of the extremities and ascities decreased, the
appetite improved and
the
dog became more active. Thoracic radiography fourth week post pericardiocentesis
revealed a normal cardiac silhouette. The cause of pericardial effusion
was not known.
