What is Chylothorax?
Normally, the cat’s body maintains about one teaspoon of clear fluid in this space, which helps to lubricate the surface of the lungs. In chylothorax, the fluid is cloudy and present in a much greater amount. Purebred cats are more likely to develop this disease than mixed breeds. It is important to have affected cats examined by a vet, because the condition can be fatal if left untreated.
When a cat begins having sustained difficulty breathing, one possible diagnosis is chylothorax. In this condition, lymphatic fluid (chyle) begins to build up between the lungs and the interior lining of the cat’s chest wall. The vet makes a diagnosis based on the appearance of the fluid as well as how much fluid is removed from the pleural cavity.
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Symptoms of Chylothorax in Cats
In the early stage of chylothorax, the cat’s symptoms may not seem serious:
- Cough
- Labored breathing
- Cat appears to “hold” its breath
- Chest pain
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Possible weight loss
- Possible depression
- Avoidance of exercise
In the life-threatening stage, the cat may develop heart failure. This is possible only because the cat learns to adapt its physical activity to its abilities, which makes it easier for the owner to miss this illness.
Causes of Chylothorax in Cats
When the vet suspects chylothorax in a sick cat, they have to do some detective work in determining the cause of this disease. In some cases, the cause of the illness has to be treated as the chylothorax is treated:
- Trauma to the cat’s chest (leads to the thoracic duct becoming “leaky”)
- Increased pressure inside the thoracic duct
- Increased pressure within the vena cava
An increase of pressure within the thoracic duct or vena cava can be caused by:
- Chest tumor or cancer
- Congestive heart failure (CHF)
- Fungal infection
- Heartworm infection
- Kidney disease
If the vet cannot determine the cause of the chylothorax, the disease is defined as “idiopathic” or having an unknown cause.
Diagnosis of Chylothorax in Cats
A physical exam is necessary for the vet to get a diagnosis of chylothorax. They will listen to the cat’s chest, heart and lungs with a stethoscope (auscultation). If the cat has fluid in its pleural cavity, heart and lung sounds will be muffled.
Once the vet begins to suspect a fluid build-up, he or she will order X-rays, which will show the presence of the fluid. This doesn’t provide a solid diagnosis of chylothorax, though.
To narrow the diagnosis down, the vet will insert a small-gauge needle into the thoracic area and withdraw some of the fluid. Depending on the cat, it may be necessary to place the animal under sedation to complete this particular test. If the fluid is thick and milky-white, it is called “chyle,” which is a lymphatic drainage that originates in the thoracic ducts.
Along with aspirating some of the fluid, the vet will take a blood sample, which helps to determine a chylothorax.
Once the vet has diagnosed a chylothorax, they will begin working to determine the cause. This involves an ultrasound of the thoracic cavity and the heart, which may determine the presence of heartworms. It may also be necessary to obtain a CT scan, which can help to determine whether the cat has cancer in its chest or some form of heart disease.
The cat will also undergo a feline leukemia (FeLV) blood test and testing for the presence of heartworms.
Treatment of Chylothorax in Cats
Stabilization
Before any other treatment, the cat’s condition has to be stabilized. This is done by draining the accumulated fluid so the cat can breathe more normally. Fluid is drained using a syringe and needle. The cat will be given supplemental oxygen to make breathing easier. If the cat is extremely stressed, it may need to be sedated.
Supplemental Treatment
The vet may prescribe rutin, which works to stimulate the development of cells called “macrophages” that remove fat in the chyle and slow the speed of fluid accumulation. The cat will be placed on a low-fat diet, which helps to lower triglyceride levels.
Surgical Treatments
If the fluid begins building up again, the cat will have a chest drain surgically implanted. This drain will be removed once the accumulation of chyle slows down and stops. This tube is drained frequently (every four to six hours) for at least one week after surgery.
Another surgical treatment is the ablation (burning or tearing) of the cistema chyli (CCA). This area holds lymphatic fluid in the abdomen. The ablation surgery obliterates this area and makes it possible for the cat’s body to form another pathway for the lymph fluid to enter the bloodstream.
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Recovery of Chylothorax in Cats
Once a cat has developed a chylothorax it can return, which means the cat’s condition will need to be monitored after the first chylothorax has been resolved. If chyle builds up repeatedly, the cat is at risk of developing fibrosing pleuritis, which is untreatable once it develops. Chylothorax with a solid diagnosis of an underlying condition means the cat has a better prognosis; idiopathic chylothorax comes with a poor prognosis.
At home, the cat owner should watch the pet closely for increased breathing difficulty. If this develops, the cat may seem uncomfortable or short of breath. The cat’s low-fat diet will need to be maintained at home.
The cat’s prognosis is good once breathing is stabilized and the chylothorax and underlying condition are treated. If the underlying disease doesn’t return, the cat’s prognosis remains good. Watchful pet owners who are able to detect the first symptoms also help to improve the cat’s chances of survival.
Chylothorax Average Cost
From 571 quotes ranging from $500 - $4,000
Average Cost
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Top
Chylothorax Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Maine Coon
Macek
7 Years
4 found this helpful
4 found this helpful
Hello, my 7-year-old cat was diagnosed chylothorax four weeks ago. We went to VET clinic where they removed 500 ml of red fluid. Unfortunaly they couldn't specify the reason of chylothorax, however it is possible that the cat has struggled with this problem for longer time because it has been refusing to eat properly for the last three years. Any other problems weren't visible. They made a surgery at the VET clinic to find the disconnected lymphatic pipe but it didn't help fully. So we started to inject Sandostatin (ocreotid) every eight hours for three weeks. The cat was placed on low-fat diet - cooked chicken breasts and cat food with maximum of 3% fat. He looks fine now, still, there is some chyle being created:-( It was 150 ml last week and they can't remove it by draning with syringe because many partitions were evolved there. Do you think rutin could help a little bit in this case? Thank you for the answer. We would like to have some more time together here...
July 1, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
4 Recommendations
I'm sorry that Macek is having this problem. Some cats do respond to Rutin, and it may decrease the amount of fluid that builds up. It would definitely be worth discussing with your veterinarian.
July 1, 2018
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Birman X
Cleo
18 Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy, Drinking, Eating Less
Hello there. My 18-yr-old female Birman-X has just been diagnosed with chylothorax. The vet seems to think the cause is probably heart-related, but wasn't positive. She spent the night at the vet, where she underwent blood tests (which were ok) and they drained some of the fluid. She's home now and breathing better, but not perfectly. She's on various pills and the vet will see her again in 2 days to check the fluid etc. She's eating very little but drinking loads of water, which I know is normal for this condition. The vet didn't mention anything about what type of diet I should give her - could you recommend something? I realise she may not get better but I want to do the best I can for her of course. Any advice gratefully received. Thank you.
June 13, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
2 Recommendations
There is some research that shows that a low fat diet helps with the management of chylothorax, and there are many good prescription low fat diets that Cleo could eat. I'm not sure at 18 if she has any other conditions that would make the low fat diet a bad idea, however, so it would be best to ask your veterinarian if that is a good idea for her.
June 14, 2018
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Maine Coon
Kevin
13 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Breathing Heavily/Quickly
Our Cat Kevin was diagnosed with Chylothorax about 2 weeks ago. He is slowly showing signs of it returning. It breaks my heart because he is still eating and wants to be with us. I can see his breathing returning to what it once was when he was diagnosed. He gets winded very easily. I don't think i should get him drained again because i know there is no cure and i do not want to put him through any pain. If it returned so soon I imagine it will again and again. How do i know when the time is right? the last thing i want to do is make him suffer.
Siamese
Smokie
4 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Shallow Rapid Breathing
My experience with idiopathic chylothorax diagnosed in a 4 year old cat. He fought the battle for several more years, passing at the age of 11 1/2. Don't give up on your cat. It's hard, but don't give up. Here is the web page if you are interested. (Ignore the updates after he died....)
http://kmmangelweb.tripod.com/Smokie.html
Siamese cross
Harlow
Two Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Increased Wob
My cat is two years old and in the last ten days has needed two drainages from her lungs an average of 250 mls. I was told it is the lymphatic drainage and that the only real treatment would be surgery costing over 5,000 I unfortunately can not afford this, and was told perhaps the next time she comes in in distress we would put her to sleep. I need to make sure there is nothing else that can be done and I’m doing the right thing . Should I be looking into anything else?
domestic short hair
Blackie
6 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Shortness Of Breath And Fainting
My name is Yusra Diab. My cat - Blackie - was diagnosed with Chylothorax last week after having to drain fluid 3 times in 3 weeks. After further investigation - blood tests, x-rays, ultrasounds - the Doctor determined that the cause is heart failure. She explained that he can be stabilized with medications which will help prolong his life, but there is no treatment and his life expectancy is very short. She explained that there is no other solution and no way to save his life. This is a thought I cannot accept. Is there any intervention - surgical or non-surgical - I can try? I need a second opinion.
Chylothorax Average Cost
From 571 quotes ranging from $500 - $4,000
Average Cost
$1,500
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