Cytologic analysis of pericardial effusion in dogs

Pericardial effusion occurs in approximately 7% of dogs with clinical signs of cardiac disease. Causes include septic pericarditis, coagulopathies, left atrial rupture, neoplasia, and idiopathic pericardial effusion. Idiopathic effusions and cardiac hemangiosarcoma are the most common causes. Less common causes include heart base tumors, mesothelioma, and lymphoma. Prognosis varies greatly based on the underlying diagnosis. It is poor to guarded for hemangiosarcoma (median survival time, 1 to 4 months) and good to excellent for idiopathic effusions (survival time up to 4 years).
Source: Advances in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery - Category: Veterinary Research Tags: Clinical Pathology Source Type: research