Presumed elevation in bilirubin concentration in a canine pericardial effusion with cytological evidence of haematoidin crystals

Abstract

AbstractA 6‐year‐old, male, neutered cocker spaniel was presented for further workup of a pericardial effusion with associated cardiac tamponade and ascites. Cytological examination of the pericardial effusion noted the presence of what appeared to be bilirubin crystals. Evaluation of the pericardial fluid by a clinical pathologist identified the crystals to be haematoidin crystals. This case report describes the finding of haematoidin crystals in pericardial effusion, which may potentially be used as an indicator for the chronicity of a pericardial effusion.