Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Pericardial effusion linked to inflammation in seven dogs
By Covey, Heather L & Connolly, David J·Published in Journal of veterinary cardiology : the official journal of the European Society of Veterinary Cardiology·2018·Royal Veterinary College, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Pericardial effusion associated with systemic inflammatory disease in seven dogs (January 2006 - January 2012).
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Seven dogs with systemic inflammatory disease were found to have fluid buildup around their hearts, known as pericardial effusion. This condition was not caused by cancer or other heart issues, and the dogs showed elevated levels of a heart protein called troponin. After treatment with anti-inflammatory medications, five of the dogs had their fluid levels return to normal, and their troponin levels also improved. Most of these dogs remained healthy without any recurring symptoms for over a year, with some monitored for up to seven years.
People also search for: dog heart fluid treatment · systemic inflammatory disease in dogs · pericardial effusion in dogs · elevated troponin in dogs · dog heart health after treatment
Abstract
Pericardial effusion (PE) is reported in dogs as a consequence of neoplasia, primary cardiac disease or as an idiopathic condition. We describe seven dogs with systemic inflammatory disease, PE without tamponade and increased cardiac troponin I concentrations. Echocardiographic findings and adjunctive testing did not identify other known causes of PE. Resolution of the PE was documented in five of seven dogs in which follow-up echocardiography was performed, often after anti-inflammatory therapy. Resolution of PE was associated with normalisation of cardiac troponin I levels. Clinical signs had not recurred in six dogs with follow-up for more than 12 months and up to 7 years. These findings suggest an association between systemic inflammation and PE in dogs.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29478903/