Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Transdiaphragmatic pericardiectomy surgery for dogs with fluid around
By De Ridder, M et al.·Published in The Veterinary record·2017·Department of Small Animal Medicine and Clinical Biology·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 We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above.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: Transdiaphragmatic pericardiectomy in dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs with fluid buildup around the heart, known as pericardial effusion, underwent a surgical procedure called transdiaphragmatic pericardiectomy to remove the excess fluid. This study involved both small and large dogs, and the surgery was performed without any complications. After the procedure, none of the dogs experienced a recurrence of the fluid buildup, indicating that the surgery was successful in providing lasting relief. Overall, this approach proved to be safe and effective for treating this condition in dogs.
People also search for: dog heart fluid buildup treatment · pericardial effusion surgery dogs · dog heart surgery recovery
Abstract
In patients with recurrent pericardial effusions, pericardiectomy is indicated. The purpose of this study was to describe a transdiaphragmatic approach for subtotal pericardiectomy in dogs and to evaluate its feasibility. In total, 20 canine cadavers weighing less than 10 kg (group S) and 20 weighing more than 20 kg (group L) were used. Within each group, half underwent a subphrenic pericardiectomy via an intercostal approach and half via a transdiaphragmatic approach. For each approach and within each weight group, the percentage of resected pericardium was calculated and compared. Additionally, a case series of nine consecutive client-owned dogs that underwent a transdiaphragmatic pericardiectomy for pericardial effusion was reported. Exposure of pericardium and associated phrenic nerves was excellent in cadavers and clinical patients. In group S, the percentage of resected pericardium was not significantly different between the two approaches. In group L, on the other hand, the percentage of resected pericardium was lower with the transdiaphragmatic approach compared with the intercostal approach (P=0.001). In the clinical patients, no intraoperative complications were encountered and no recurrence of pericardial effusion was seen. Subtotal pericardiectomy via a transdiaphragmatic approach is straightforward and a safe surgical procedure to obtain permanent pericardial drainage in small and large breed 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/27881694/