Emergency Thoracocentesis in a dog with Pleural effusion

Abstract

A five-year-old Labrador was presented to the clinic with a history of exercise intolerance, respiratory distress, and panting. During clinical examination, the dog showed signs of dyspnoea, salivation, cyanotic discoloration of the tongue, rapid shallow breathing, and muffled cardiac sounds. Laboratory tests indicated neutrophilic leucocytosis, low serum levels of albumin, sodium, potassium, and chloride. An electrocardiogram revealed low-voltage QRS complexes; radiography and echocardiography confirmed pleural effusion. Based on these findings, the diagnosis was pleural effusion, and an emergency thoracocentesis was performed. Approximately 1500 ml of fluid were drained from the thoracic cavity. The dog showed clinical improvement following the therapy.