CHYLOTHORAX IN THE DOG AND CAT: A REVIEW

Abstract

Chylothorax is a rare but complex disorder in domestic animals. Etiologies includeneoplasia, fungal infections, heartworm infestation, cardiac disease, thrombosis of the cranialvena cava, and congenital anomaly of the thoracic duct. Most cases of chylothorax in dogs andcats are idiopathic. Positive contrast lymphangiography on dogs and cats with chylothoraxconsistently reveals extensive lymphangiectasia of mediastinal and pleural lymphatics. Reportedtreatment modalities for chylothorax in animals include removal of the etiologic agent, such as amediastinal tumor, thoracic duct ligation, and implantation of active or passive drainage devicessuch as a pleuro-peritoneal shunt. Thoracic duct ligation has been most successful in ourexperience, but continued study is needed since treatment failures are common.