What is Fluid Buildup in the Sac Surrounding the Heart?
In the normal anatomy of a canine, there is the presence of a very thin membrane surrounding the heart which serves as protection. A small amount of fluid is required to act as a lubricant; it is abnormal and dangerous when fluid builds up continually (and in many cases rapidly), causing the heart to become enlarged. When this happens, there can be compression of the esophagus, bronchi or lungs. Intracardiac pressure, affecting the heart itself, leads to decreased filling of the heart, decreased cardiac output and subsequently, shock to the system. Examples of causes for pleural effusion may be infection or right-sided heart failure. Prognosis varies and it must be considered a life-threatening condition.
When there is an accumulation of fluid within the pericardial sac, it is known as pericardial effusion. How much this abnormality will affect your pet will depend on the rate of fluid flow into the sac as well as the amount of fluid that accumulates.
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Symptoms of Fluid Buildup in the Sac Surrounding the Heart in Dogs
Symptoms can evolve to a dangerous level whereby the situation becomes life threatening. These are the signs you may see in your pet, depending on the extent of the effusion.
- Loss of appetite or willingness to eat
- Lethargy
- Fainting
- Difficulty breathing
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Exercise intolerance
- Weight loss
- Coughing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Pale mucus membranes
- Abdominal distention
- Collapse
Types
Fluid buildup in the sac surrounding the heart can happen due to congenital illnesses (present at birth) or due to acquired diseases that develop throughout life. The effusion can be chronic and of a progressive nature, or acute which means the event came on suddenly.
Causes of Fluid Buildup in the Sac Surrounding the Heart in Dogs
Some of the recognized reasons for pericardial effusion are:
- Tumor
- Bacterial infection
- Fungal infection
- Migrating foreign body such as Foxtail
- Mitral valve disease which causes left atrial rupture; small breeds are predisposed
- Coagulation disorders
- Congestive heart failure
- Congenital hernia
- Idiopathic hemorrhagic pericardial effusion; large and giant breeds are prone
It is documented that German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers are predisposed to a fluid buildup in the pericardial sac.
Diagnosis of Fluid Buildup in the Sac Surrounding the Heart in Dogs
The physical examination performed by the veterinarian will include listening to the heart and taking the pulse, two indicators of the heart’s performance. The pulse of your dog will most likely be poor or low if he is in a state of advanced pericardial effusion. The heart sounds that the veterinarian is trying to distinguish will most likely be of a muffled nature because of the volume of fluid buildup. If there is right side heart failure, there may be jugular vein distortion apparent during the exam.
Standard tests that will be ordered are the blood chemical profile, complete blood count, and urinalysis. Tests that will give further diagnostic leads are radiographs. Abdominal x-rays could show fluid in the abdomen as well, and thoracic x-rays can show the heart size and signs of metastatic disease if this is the case. An echocardiogram is a type of ultrasound that can clearly identify fluid buildup and determine present functioning state of the heart, and can show other problems such as a hernia. An electrocardiograph will tell the veterinarian the state of electrical activity in your pet’s heart.
Treatment of Fluid Buildup in the Sac Surrounding the Heart in Dogs
The treatment for pericardial effusion is pretty straightforward in that the essential need is to remove the excess fluid from the sac surrounding the heart. However, as simple as it sounds, it can be complicated if the amount of fluid has caused further developments and damage to the body of your dog. Cardiac tamponade for example, is when the fluid causes compression to the heart, a very severe situation resulting from the fluid buildup. Right side heart failure can occur, which promotes the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. The removal of fluid is done by a procedure called a pericardiocentesis. A needle or catheter is inserted into the sac around the heart, aspirating the liquid. In cases where there is fluid in the abdomen as well, this will be taken out in addition.
Some canines will need surgery if the effusion returns. A pericardiectomy involves making a window in the sac which allows the continuous flow of liquid to move into the chest cavity. It should be noted that both of these procedures can have a good to poor prognosis, depending on the body’s response to the treatment. Of course, as with any procedure involving the heart especially, there are risks and the possibility of failure. In the instance of an infection, parasitic invasion, or underlying disease process, the appropriate measures in the form of antibiotics or medication will be addressed.
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Recovery of Fluid Buildup in the Sac Surrounding the Heart in Dogs
There are chances that your pet may not recover from a heart procedure. However, it depends on the cause. Parasitic invasion, infection, and hernia can have a successful recovery depending on the extent of the problem. If your beloved pet has a tumor that is slow growing, he may have a fair to good prognosis. If your pet has pericardial effusion that keeps returning, the situation may be described as poor to guarded because continual effusion can change the pliability of the heart sac making it vulnerable to disease. Your veterinarian will do her best to prolong the life of your pet as long as the quality of life we all want for them is there.
Fluid Buildup in the Sac Surrounding the Heart Average Cost
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Fluid Buildup in the Sac Surrounding the Heart Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Alaskan Husky
Athena
8 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy
Is a partial pericardiectomy a viable option for a dog who suddenly has pericardial effusion which is likely due to an AV groove cardiac mass? No signs or symptoms other than the effusion which had to be drained a second time 11 days after the first.
Nov. 21, 2017
1 Recommendations
A partial pericardiectomy is a viable option for pericardial effusion especially if it is recurring often, during the surgery your Veterinarian may also be able to take a biopsy sample from the mass to confirm the diagnosis. You should discuss with your Veterinarian and consultation with a Specialist may also be useful. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Nov. 21, 2017
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Boxer
Tigger
12 Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
Tigger was seen yesterday and diagnosed with right side arithmic cardiomiopothy. However, an X-ray of his heart didn't show much - could only see the fluid surrounding it. He's on 4 medications now with Solix also prescribed but not get filled.
Is it possible to reduce the fluid and make him more comfortable with these meds? Our vet seemed very concerned with any surgical option.
In addition to the fluid around his heart, he also has fluid in his stomach area.
Sept. 22, 2017
2 Recommendations
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy is a predisposed genetic heart disease in boxers; medical therapy for pericardial effusion (fluid in the pericardial sac) is rarely effective, with surgical aspiration being the management of choice along with management of the underlying condition. Supportive care and supplementation is the management method of choice; antiarrhythmics and omega-3 fatty acids are generally indicated in this condition. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
www.ufaw.org.uk/dogs/boxer-arrhythmogenic-right-ventricular-cardiomyopathy
http://discoveryspace.upei.ca/cidd/disorder/arrhythmogenic-right-ventricular-cardiomyopathy-arvc-boxer-cardiomyopathy
Sept. 22, 2017
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Boston bulldog
Merlin
11
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Fluid Buildup In Sac Around Heart
Merlin our 11 yr old Boston Bulldog has been diagnosed with fluid around his heart. His vet also found an abscessed tooth. All his blood work came back normal, but x-rays showed the fluid build up. He is on antibiotics and Lasix right now, and I notice the Lasix has greatly improved his breathing and comfort level. Do to financial resources we have not been able to get the ekg or sonogram done yet. Could the abscess be the problem, and one cleared of the infection, could the fluid build up resolve itself?
July 26, 2017
2 Recommendations
Most commonly, pericardial effusion (fluid around the heart) is caused by cancer or has an unknown etiology; the likelihood of the pericardial effusion and a tooth abscess being related is quite small (but not impossible). In the absence of cancer, pericardial effusion occurs for an unknown reason (second most common cause); symptomatic treatment is therefore the best cause of action. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 26, 2017
We had a dog with cancer before, and the vet said she could tell by the white blood count. Merlin shows none of the symptoms our other dog had. Your response is very disheartening
July 26, 2017
Merlin's Owner
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Golden Retriever
Kane
8 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargic
Sad
Hi Doc
Kane presented to the emergency service for lethargy and inappetence. He was seen by our primary veterinarian first, where radiographs revealed suspected fluid in the chest, abdomena and around the heart. Blood work performed noted mild elevation in the white blood cell count, and mild elevation in one of the liver enzymes. Kane was then taken to Medvet and a physical examination fluid in the abdomen, thorax, and pericardium were noted. The fluid in the abdomen was noted to be clear, while fluid in the pericardium was noted to be hemorrhagic.
After discussing diagnostics, such as clotting times, echocardiogram and hospitalization for monitoring and supportive care. We have unfortunately declined these options because of financial concern.
Prior to discharge we had a percardiocentesis done and Kane had 290 ml of hemorrhagic fluid pulled from his pericardial sac. His heart rate improved dramatically
They want us to bring Kane back in for a cardiology test... what do you think we should do!
July 26, 2017
1 Recommendations
Whilst I understand your financial situation, I would recommend visiting a Cardiologist as the fluid accumulation in the pericardial sac needs to be effectively managed or treated; fluid has been removed but will likely return, the danger is that fluid or blood accumulating in the pericardial sac will reduce the space the heart has to expand and will stop the heart filling with blood which will reduce overall cardiac output. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 26, 2017
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Fluid Buildup in the Sac Surrounding the Heart Average Cost
From 51 quotes ranging from $2,500 - $8,000
Average Cost
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