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Infectious Pericardial Effusion in Five Dogs
Author(s) -
ARONSON LILLIAN R.,
GREGORY CLARE R.
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
veterinary surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.652
H-Index - 79
eISSN - 1532-950X
pISSN - 0161-3499
DOI - 10.1111/j.1532-950x.1995.tb01351.x
Subject(s) - medicine , leukocytosis , pericardial effusion , anorexia , vomiting , surgery , abdominal distension , respiratory distress , pleural effusion , effusion , thoracic cavity , anesthesia
The medical records of five dogs diagnosed with infectious pericardial effusion were reviewed. Clinical signs included anorexia, depression, respiratory distress, abdominal distension, collapse, coughing, and vomiting. Anemia and leukocytosis were present in three dogs. Grass awn migration was confirmed as the cause of the pericardial effusion in two dogs and suspected in the other three. Surgery, followed by continuous chest drainage, and appropriate antibiotic therapy was the treatment in four dogs. Chest drains were removed within 4 days of surgery. One dog did not have chest drainage after surgery. Antibiotic treatment was continued for up to 6 months. The dogs were monitored postsurgically for a period ranging from 3 to 24 months. All dogs recovered well without apparent complications.