Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Chylothorax and heart defects in a 14-month Bullmastiff
By Diana, Alessia et al.·Published in Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association·2009·Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Italy·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Chylothorax associated with tricuspid dysplasia and atrial septal defect in a bullmastiff.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 14-month-old bullmastiff was brought in for severe breathing problems caused by a condition called chylothorax, which is fluid buildup in the chest. This issue was linked to heart defects known as tricuspid dysplasia and an atrial septal defect. Initially, the dog was treated with medications that helped manage the fluid for about 10 months, but the breathing problems returned. Ultimately, surgery to ligate the thoracic duct and use a piece of tissue to seal the area successfully resolved the fluid buildup, allowing the dog to breathe normally again.
People also search for: bullmastiff breathing problems · chylothorax treatment in dogs · heart defects in young dogs
Abstract
Transudate pleural effusion associated with tricuspid dysplasia and ostium secundum-type atrial septal defect was diagnosed in a 14-month-old bullmastiff. Following administration of furosemide and an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, the dog remained free of pleural effusion for 10 months, until he showed severe dyspnea due to chylothorax. Medical therapy was unsuccessful to avoid recurrence of life-threatening pleural chylous effusion. Ligation of the thoracic duct and apposition of an omental pedicle flap were effective in the resolution of pleural chylous leakage.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19258419/