- View:
Lateral and VD - Defining characteristics:
Prominent pleural fissure lines, retraction of lung margins from the diaphragm or chest wall, focal accumulation of tissue-dense opacity can identify fluid within the pleural space - Common differential diagnoses:
Heart failure (in cats), pyothorax, chylothorax, hypoproteinemia, hemorrhage - Helpful additional data:
Has the patient had labored breathing? Has there been any trauma? Has there been exposure to rodenticide? - Commonly associated diagnostics:
Consider *SignalCare MDB, possible thoracic ultrasound if available - Commonly associated treatments:
Stabilization as needed, supportive care (oxygen), symptomatic treatment, discuss corrective options (set up for thoracocentesis) - Commonly associated home care:
Depending on the cause, monitor for increased respiratory effort and labored breathing
*SignalCare MDB = CBC/Chem/UA/Thx/Abd