The pericardium or pericardial sac is a thin layer of tissue that surrounds a dog's heart. Under normal conditions, the pericardium contains a tiny amount of clear fluid. If too much fluid accumulates inside the sac, it negatively affects the heart's ability to pump and is called pericardial effusion.
Pericardial effusion can be caused by:
Signs may develop suddenly or more slowly over time and can include:
The dog breeds more commonly affected by pericardial effusion are those that are prone to being affected by its underlying causes and include:
A veterinarian may suspect pericardial effusion when an owner describes the signs seen at home. Additionally, during a thorough exam, the vet may find some or all of the following:
X-rays may show fluid accumulation in the abdomen, and the heart may appear abnormally smooth, round, and enlarged. Ultrasound of the chest can also reveal the pericardial effusion.
A sample of the fluid in the pericardium may be collected with a needle for analysis under the microscope. That could help diagnose the underlying cause of the pericardial effusion.
The treatment of pericardial effusion revolves around addressing the underlying cause. For example, a tumor requires surgical removal and/or chemotherapy. Heart failure requires medications to attempt to support heart function.
In cases where the dog is in critical condition, a veterinarian may attempt to remove enough fluid from the pericardial sac to relieve the emergency. However, without treatment for the underlying condition, the liquid will simply build up again.
The prognosis for a dog with pericardial effusion depends entirely on the individual's underlying condition.
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