Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Vascular access ports used to treat pleural effusion in three dogs
By Cahalane, Alane K et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2007·Department of Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Use of vascular access ports with intrathoracic drains for treatment of pleural effusion in three dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Three dogs aged 9 to 12 years were brought in for coughing, difficulty breathing, and lethargy due to recurrent pleural effusion, which is a buildup of fluid in the chest. After tests confirmed the presence of fluid, two dogs were found to have cancer as the cause, while one had inflammation without cancer. The dogs underwent surgery to place special ports that allowed for easy drainage of the fluid over time. This method worked well, with the drains successfully managing the fluid for periods ranging from 6 weeks to over 3 years, helping the dogs feel much better.
People also search for: dog coughing and breathing problems · pleural effusion treatment in dogs · dog cancer symptoms and treatment
Abstract
CASE DESCRIPTION: 3 dogs (9 to 12 years old) were evaluated because of recurrent pleural effusion that was refractory to treatment of the underlying cause. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Dogs were evaluated because of cough, dyspnea, tachypnea, or lethargy or a combination of these clinical signs. Radiography, ultrasonography, or thoracocentesis were used to confirm the presence of pleural fluid in each dog. A neoplastic cause of pleural effusion was confirmed in 2 dogs. In 1 dog, fasciitis of the mediastinum and the left parietal pleura was diagnosed, with no evidence of neoplasia. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Each dog was anesthestized, and thoracotomy was performed with manual perforation of the mediastinum. Permanent, subcutaneously placed vascular access ports were attached to intrathoracic, Jackson-Pratt drain tubing for repeated drainage of pleural fluid. Drains were used successfully in the 3 dogs for periods of 6 weeks, 11 weeks, and > 3 years. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Findings suggest that subcutaneous vascular access ports attached to intrathoracic drain tubing may be an effective way to remove recurrent pleural effusion in dogs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17302549/