What is Fluid in the Chest?
Many problems with respiratory function can result from fluid buildup in your dog’s chest. Examples of complications can include lack of room for lungs to expand, which causes restricted breathing, or lung collapse. On occasion, pleural effusion is found at a regular check up. Most often the issue is diagnosed at a time of respiratory distress. If you start to notice laboured breathing in your dog, or if your dog is having trouble keeping up his normal activity level, a veterinary visit is advised without delay.
Fluid in the chest in dogs is known in veterinary terms as pleural effusion. It's expected that there is a very small amount of fluid in the pleural space; but if there is a problem with drainage or an excess of production, the accumulation of fluid can cause a crisis situation for your pet.Fluid in the Chest Average Cost
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Symptoms of Fluid in the Chest in Dogs
Fluid in the chest is a somewhat common reason for abnormal respiratory function in dogs. Often resulting from an underlying condition, pleural effusion can cause the following symptoms:
Early pleural effusion meaning only a small amount of fluid has begun to accumulate:
- Showing a low tolerance to activity and exercise
- Lethargy and lower energy level than usual
Increasing pleural effusion as respiratory affliction is proliferating:
- Rapid breathing (tachypnea)
- Difficulty breathing (dyspnea)
- Extension of neck as if trying to reach air
- Sitting or lying in an unusual position in an attempt to ease breathing
- Blue or pale gums, lips, or tongue (cyanosis) due to lack of oxygen in the blood
- Low body temperature (hypothermia)
- Shock
Depending on the underlying cause of the fluid accumulation, you may see fever, weight loss, mental dullness, depression, pale gums, or other symptoms that accompany the disorder.
Types
The types of fluid in the chest in dogs are classified in the following ways:
- Hydrothorax - (noninflammatory transudate) due to increased hydrostatic pressure, brought on by an elevated cell and protein content or decreased oncotic pressure, brought on by low albumin in the blood.
- Chylothorax - milky lymphatic fluid and chylomicrons containing a high concentrate of triglycerides accumulate.
- Hemothorax - blood accumulates in the pleural cavity.
- Pyothorax - accumulation of fluid due to an infection or growth.
Causes of Fluid in the Chest in Dogs
Fluid in the chest in dogs is a relatively common complication. There are a plethora of reasons that can lead to the accumulation of fluids; some of which are listed below:
- Hydrothorax - liver disease, malnutrition, malabsorption, right-sided heart failure, burns, chronic hemorrhaging, protein-losing nephropathy (kidney disease), protein-losing enteropathy (intestinal disease).
- Chylothorax - cancer, chronic vomiting, diaphragmatic hernia, twisted lung lobe, blood clot in chest veins, congenital defects.
- Hemothorax - trauma, lymphoma, pulmonary and chest wall tumors.
- Pyothorax - penetrating wounds, infection, pulmonary thromboembolism, heartworm, pneumonia, esophageal disease, complications from an underlying condition such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
Diagnosis of Fluid in the Chest in Dogs
The veterinarian will begin the process of diagnosis after requesting a brief history from you in regards to your pet’s recent behavior and apparent health. Be sure to be as accurate and complete as possible in relaying information to the veterinarian. There are many diagnostic procedures used to identify this condition, and any information you can initially provide is extremely helpful.
Chances are, the veterinarian will hear muffled sounds in the lungs through the use of a stethoscope. Palpation of the abdomen may show pain is present. She may then decide to perform additional tests in order to pinpoint the cause of the problem.
A chest x-ray can reveal an accumulation of fluid in the thoracic cavity, and may show possible lung collapse, or evidence of heart disease or the growth of a tumour. Fluid may be obtained from the chest with the use of a needle, which is necessary when proceeding to identify the type of fluid in the chest. Draining the fluid away also forms part of the treatment plan. An ultrasound of the chest, and often including the abdomen, will be done to show the condition of the lungs and other organs. An ultrasound is also helpful when determining where the needle should be placed for removal of fluid.
A complete blood count, chemistry profile, and fungal titers test may be done, as well as a heartworm test. Results may show abnormalities in glucose, albumin or liver enzyme levels, for example. Urinalysis may show proteinuria. A coagulation profile may be done as well. Information from all of the completed tests will be used to determine the type and cause of the fluid buildup.
Treatment of Fluid in the Chest in Dogs
In order to resolve the issue of fluid in the chest, the cause, whether it be sudden or due to an underlying disease, must be determined. As an example, cancer will be additionally treated with chemotherapy and radiation after the fluid in the chest has been drained. Another example would be the need to treat and eliminate an infection through the use of antibiotics.
To start treatment for pleural effusion, the veterinarian will provide oxygen therapy in order to make your dog more comfortable. The chest will be drained by the insertion of a needle, along with suction through the placement of a chest drain. This may need to be in place for a few days.
Intravenous fluids may be required if your pet is dehydrated. At times, a surgical exploratory thoracotomy may be necessary to investigate the cause of the fluid buildup. A thoracotomy may be necessary for draining, or to perform a correctional procedure. Radiographs will be part of the treatment because it will be important to monitor how the chosen therapy is working.
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Recovery of Fluid in the Chest in Dogs
The prognosis of recovery will range from good to poor, depending on the cause and whether a serious underlying disease is found. If surgery was part of the treatment, your dog might remain in the hospital for 3 to 5 days, and the chest tube will need to remain in place until the fluid accumulation problem is under control.
When released from the hospital, your pet may require additional pain medication and/or antibiotics. Follow up appointments are an important part of the treatment for pleural effusion; radiographs and ultrasounds are often repeated to ensure that recovery is continuing.
The veterinarian will recommend any dietary changes required(such as a low fat, low sodium diet), and will advise you on exercise restrictions and for how long leash only outings are mandatory.
Fluid in the Chest Average Cost
From 9 quotes ranging from $1,200 - $6,000
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Fluid in the Chest Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Jack Russell
penny
13 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Breathing Difficulty
My jack russell terrier has now had two injections for fluid on her chest. The vet has said if this second injection doesnt clear the fluid there is nothing more they can do for her and we should consider putting her to sleep. Is this correct?
April 26, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Without knowing what is going on with Penny or what injections she is getting, it is quite impossible for me to answer this question, unfortunately. If you are not sure of your veterinarian's diagnosis, the best thing to do would be to get a second opinion, to make sure that those are your only options. I am sorry that this is happening to Penny, and wish her well.
April 26, 2018
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Kerry Blue Terrier
Darcy
3 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Fluid In Abdomen
My 3 year old female Kerry blue terrier recently injured her shoulder (likely pulled muscle) and had some sloughing of the paw pad on the same affected leg. She was put on Carprofen and seems to be doing better. I just noticed that she appears to be retaining fluid near her chest and behind the affected shoulder. Could the Carprofen be causing this? She has had a lot of GI issues lately. I have been feeding her chicken and rice as I move, slowly, to transition her to limited ingredient food Merrick’s).
March 31, 2018
0 Recommendations
As far as I am aware carprofen (Rimadyl) doesn’t cause this reaction; I double checked the prescribing information (the link below - check the top right side of the page) and couldn’t find anything related. You should keep an eye on Darcy but visit your Veterinarian for an examination to be on the safe side. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
www.rimadyl.com/pdf/rimadyl_injectable_pi.pdf
March 31, 2018
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Yorkshire Terrier
BrookeLynn
8 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Trouble/Belly Breathing, Hacking
My dog was hacking and having trouble breathing, we thought something was in her throat. Vet said no and did X-rays and said she turned blue on her back and put her on oxygen. We were rushed to 24 hr hospital. She saw the cardio doctor and it was not her heart and they found fluid around her lungs. They removed 2 viles of clear fluid and then did bloodwork. They said her protein was low and that is what caused the fluid to leak from a valve. We did a urinalysis and it came back that she is not losing protein through her urine. They said this could have been a one time thing but her protein is still low and we have no answer why. They want to do a urine culture next (which I don't know why if she doesn't have a UTI), then possibly a bile acid test then an ultrasound. It's becoming to pricey to not have answers by now. I can't keep putting her through all of this. Since she came home and the fluid was removed she has been her normal self and doing much better. I just don't know what else to do or what it could be. Any opinions?
Jan. 20, 2018
1 Recommendations
Fluid in the chest secondary to low albumin may be caused by various different causes which may include liver disease, malabsorption, protein losing nephropathy, protein losing enteropathy among others. Your Veterinarian is taking a diagnostic path for a reason, it is important to talk with them regarding their rationale for performing certain tests. At this point I don’t see the value in a culture of the urine unless something was indicated in urinalysis. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Jan. 20, 2018
My Corgi had issues breathing, X-ray showed fluid in the Thorax cavity making it difficult for her to breath. On the Chemistry labs showed her albumin level was very low. Her lymph nodes were enlarged, she is being treated for Lymphoma. The Chemotherapy is called "CHOP Protocol" and it rotates 3-4 kinds of chemo to addressed Lymphoma.
L-asparaginase Chemo put my Corgi in remission within the very first week. The treatment is design to last 6 months. We are in Week 16 out of 25, every moment is precious.
Jan. 27, 2018
Jo
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Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Lulu
6 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Tachypnea, Labored Breathing
My dog has lymphoma and undergoing Chemotherapy. Started with Madison-Wisconsin protocol but he had not responded well with Cyclosphamide (diarrhea, loss of appetite, & rapid labored breathing). X-Rays & ultrasound showed fluids but the Oncologist stated not enough to tap it. Oncologist switched to Doxorubicin alone. Had his first dose last week. My dog is back to his old self except that I occasionally see him breathing labored & rapid. He had recheck today and his oncologist said there is decrease in the fluids in his lungs, seemed to respond well Doxorubicin so will continue with this treatment plan. My question is how will I help him improve his breathing? Should I ask for diuretics? How is his prognosis based on the symptoms?
Jan. 11, 2018
0 Recommendations
I do not like giving prognosis based on symptoms but generally an improvement in the severity of a symptom is usually encouraging; you should follow the instructions of your Oncologist and monitor for improvement. If there has been a reduction in fluid volume, then diuretics may not be required and the increase in respiration may be attributable to another cause; if your Oncologist is pleased, you should be too. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Jan. 11, 2018
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Pitt bull
Raven
7 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Cold Nose, Pail Gums, Heavy Breath,
My dog Raven had fluid in the socket surrounding her heart. If she would have surgery will she maintain a normal life will she have complications is it wise to put her thru surgery and pain or let her Rest In Peace
Nov. 22, 2017
0 Recommendations
The question isn’t whether the surgery itself is going to help Raven, but the underlying cause of the pericardial effusion (fluid) needs to be managed as well. This surgery is somewhat routine and may involve a pericardial window (link to our page on the subject is below) where a portion of the pericardium is removed so that the fluid doesn’t cause constriction of the heart. The decision to go ahead with the surgery is yours and each case is different so I cannot comment on Raven’s suitability as I haven’t examined her. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
https://wagwalking.com/treatment/pericardial-window
Nov. 22, 2017
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Fluid in the Chest Average Cost
From 9 quotes ranging from $1,200 - $6,000
Average Cost
$4,000
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