Chylothorax in Dogs

Chylothorax in Dogs

By: Dr. Theresa Welch Fossum

Section: Veterinary Care In-depth

Diagnosis In-depth

Diagnostic tests will be performed to determine that fluid is present in the chest cavity, verify that the fluid is chyle and determine if there is an underlying disease such as heart disease or tumor that might have caused the effusion.

Diagnostic tests to determine that fluid is present in the thoracic cavity include:

  • A complete medical history and thorough physical examination

  • Careful auscultation of the chest (using a stethoscope) to determine whether the heart and lung sounds are normal. When fluid is present the heart sounds may appear muffled. If heart disease is present, a murmur may be heard.

  • Thoracic radiographs (chest X-rays) to identify fluid in the chest and determine how much is present and where it is located. The radiographs will also be evaluated to determine whether other causes of difficult breathing like pneumonia, asthma, or tumor, or fluid formation might be present.


    Diagnostic tests are needed to confirm that the fluid is chyle. Some of these tests include:

  • Analysis of fluid removed from the chest by needle thoracentesis (chest tap) for physical characteristics (color, clarity), the type and number of cells, amount of protein and the amount of triglyceride (fat) in the fluid

  • Measurement of triglyceride content. Chylous fluid has a higher triglyceride content than serum. To make this comparison, blood may be drawn from your pet and also measured for triglyceride content.

  • Chylous fluid typically is composed primarily of lymphocytes and neutrophils. These are normal cells that are also present in the bloodstream. The fluid is usually carefully analyzed for the presence of cells that might indicate a tumor is present in the chest cavity.

  • The fluid is usually checked for bacteria or the presence of cells that might indicate that an infection is present.

    Diagnostic tests to determine if there is an underlying disease present include:

  • Before removing the fluid, your veterinarian may wish to perform an ultrasound on the chest to determine whether a tumor might be present in the area in front of the heart (mediastinal mass). When fluid is present in the chest cavity, ultrasonography is very helpful in evaluating the chest cavity for masses or other abnormalities. It may also be used to guide the chest tap if the fluid is pocketed.

  • An echocardiogram may be performed to determine if heart function is normal, whether there are cardiac lesions, such as acquired valvular abnormalities, or congenital cardiac defects, whether the pericardium (the sac around the heart) is thickened or contains fluid (pericardial effusion) or whether a heart base tumor is present.

  • A heartworm test is usually performed.

  • Repeat radiographs may be taken, after the fluid has been removed, to determine whether the lungs re-inflate. Fibrosing pleuritis – thickening and scarring of the lining of the lungs and the inside of the chest cavity – may be associated with chronic chylothorax and result in the lungs not re-inflating normally.

  • Routine blood work, including a complete blood count (CBC) and serum biochemical panel, will often be done to help assess organ function and overall health of your pet.

  • Your veterinarian may recommend other tests to help further identify potential diseases that may have caused the chylothorax or to identify concurrent diseases that might be present.

     
    Printable Version
     
    Have a Pet Question?
    Send Your Pet Question to Dr. Jon
    and His Staff of Veterinarians Ask Dr. Jon
    Dr. Jon's Newsletter
    Yes! Send Me the Latest Health Information, Pet Tips, Pet Stories and more...
     
     

    Related Articles

    • 1 Pleural Effusion in Dogs

      Pleural effusion is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, which is the cavity between the lungs and the thoracic wall. Normally, some fluid is present in the pleural space to lubricate...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2 Dyspnea (Trouble Breathing) in Dogs

      Respiratory distress, also called dyspnea, is labored, difficult breathing or shortness of breath. This can occur at any time during the breathing process, either during inspiration or expiration.

      Read MoreRead More
    • Related Articles
    • 1 Pleural Effusion in Dogs

      Pleural effusion is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, which is the cavity between the lungs and the thoracic wall. Normally, some fluid is present in the pleural space to lubricate...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2 Dyspnea (Trouble Breathing) in Dogs

      Respiratory distress, also called dyspnea, is labored, difficult breathing or shortness of breath. This can occur at any time during the breathing process, either during inspiration or expiration.

      Read MoreRead More
     

    Over 10,000 Veterinarian Approved Articles

    Dogs & Puppies
    Cats
    Related Articles
    • 1 Pleural Effusion in Dogs

      Pleural effusion is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, which is the cavity between the lungs and the thoracic wall. Normally, some fluid is present in the pleural space to lubricate...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2 Dyspnea (Trouble Breathing) in Dogs

      Respiratory distress, also called dyspnea, is labored, difficult breathing or shortness of breath. This can occur at any time during the breathing process, either during inspiration or expiration.

      Read MoreRead More
    Advertisement
    Advertisement