Idiopathic chylothorax in dogs and cats: nonsurgical and surgical management

Compend Contin Educ Vet. 2012 Aug;34(8):E3.

Abstract

Idiopathic chylothorax is a debilitating disease that can lead to respiratory and metabolic compromise and fibrosing pleuritis. Several treatment options are available once a diagnosis has been made. Although large-scale studies on the outcome of treatment for idiopathic chylothorax are lacking, long-term resolution of clinical signs is possible. Pathophysiology, diagnosis, and thoracic duct imaging are discussed in a companion article. This article provides an overview of nonsurgical and surgical management techniques for idiopathic chylothorax in dogs and cats.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cat Diseases / surgery
  • Cat Diseases / therapy*
  • Cats
  • Chylothorax / surgery
  • Chylothorax / therapy
  • Chylothorax / veterinary*
  • Dog Diseases / surgery
  • Dog Diseases / therapy*
  • Dogs
  • Ligation / veterinary
  • Pericardiectomy / veterinary
  • Prognosis
  • Thoracic Duct / surgery
  • Treatment Outcome