Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Draining fluid buildup around dog hearts with a special port
By Vázquez, Dolores María Porteiro et al.·Published in Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association·2025·From Hospital Veterinario Puchol, Spain·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Palliative Intermittent Drainage of Neoplastic Pericardial Effusions with a Permanent Subcutaneous Pleural Access Port.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Two dogs with heart problems were diagnosed with fluid buildup around their hearts due to a cancerous mass. The owners chose not to pursue surgery or chemotherapy, so the veterinarian suggested a less invasive option. A special port was placed under the skin to help drain the excess fluid without needing repeated needle procedures. This method was safe and well-tolerated, providing relief for the dogs without the stress of more invasive treatments.
People also search for: dog heart cancer treatment · pericardial effusion in dogs · palliative care for dog cancer
Abstract
Recurrent pericardial effusion (PE) with cardiac tamponade due to a cardiac mass was identified in two dogs. Cytology of the masses was consistent with a malignant epithelial tumor with a neuroendocrine appearance in both cases. Given the location and description, an ectopic thyroid carcinoma was considered the most likely cytological diagnosis. Pericardiectomy and chemotherapy were proposed in both cases, but the owners declined to perform any invasive surgical treatment, and an alternative option was offered to palliate the symptoms associated with PE. Placement of a subcutaneous pleural access port in the pericardial cavity was achieved to drain the PE and avoid the need to perform serial percutaneous pericardiocentesis. The placement of a subcutaneous access port appeared to be safe and well tolerated in two patients for whom more invasive treatment was declined and may be considered for future similar cases.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40304446/