Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Kitten with repeated fluid around the heart from unknown cause
By Nicole Weingand et al.·Published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science·2024·Division of Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland, CH·View original on DOAJ →
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Original publication title: Chronic pericarditis and recurrent pericardial effusion of unknown origin in a kitten: a case report
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 3-month-old kitten was brought in after a cardiac arrest, which required emergency resuscitation. During its stay in the intensive care unit, the kitten developed repeated fluid buildup around the heart and in the chest and abdomen, leading to several health crises. Despite aggressive treatment, including draining the fluid, the kitten suffered another cardiac arrest and unfortunately did not survive. A post-mortem examination revealed chronic inflammation of the heart's outer layer and bleeding around the heart, a rare condition that hasn't been previously reported in similar cases.
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Abstract
A 3-month-old kitten was presented after successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation, including a presumed intracardial injection by its primary care veterinarian. Throughout the subsequent hospitalization in the intensive care unit, the cat exhibited recurrent hemorrhagic pericardial effusions, along with concurrent pleural and abdominal effusions, resulting in multiple clinical deteriorations, necessitating pericardiocentesis and thoracocentesis. Despite more than 3 days of intensive care, the cat experienced another cardiopulmonary arrest with unsuccessful attempts to achieve the return of spontaneous circulation. Necropsy and histopathological findings revealed diffuse chronic-active pericarditis and hemorrhagic pericardial effusion, a condition that has not been documented in the context of cardiopulmonary resuscitation or pericardiocentesis.
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Search related cases →Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2024.1347083