Pericardial effusion refers to the abnormal accumulation of fluid within the pericardial sac. The pericardial sac, or pericardium, is a sac that surrounds the heart. Normally, this sac contains a very small amount of clear fluid, to provide lubrication and help the heart slide within the sac.
How long do dogs live with pericardial effusion?
Survival is expected to be from a few weeks to less than 4-6 months but quality of life between episodes is usually good. Chemotherapy may provide a small survival benefit.
What is the most common cause of pericardial effusion in dogs?
Pericardial effusion in dogs most commonly occurs secondary to neoplasia (cancer). Less commonly, it occurs secondary to bleeding disorders, rupture of cardiac chambers, congestive heart failure, or trauma.
How common is pericardial effusion in dogs?
Pericardial effusion is a fairly common acquired heart disease in dogs, and prevalence has been reported to be 0.43% (or 1 dog per 233 cases) of dogs presenting to a referral veterinary hospital, and accounts for approximately 7% of dogs with clinical signs of cardiac disease.
What is the treatment for pericardial effusion?
Drainage procedures or surgery to treat pericardial effusion may include: Fluid drainage (pericardiocentesis). A health care provider uses a needle to enter the pericardial space and then inserts a small tube (catheter) to drain the fluid. Imaging techniques, typically echocardiography, are used to guide the work.
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