QUESTION

My German Shepherd has recently been admitted for pleural effusion. She was unable to breathe properly and was very lethargic. Pleural effusion was diagnosed and initialy on ultrasound they thought there might be a mass but this has not been confirmed on subsequent echo/scans. If it is an idiopathic condition is there any other course of action other than surgery. She has had the fluid drained off twice so far but I feel she is too old to survive surgery. A tumour on the heart has has been put forward as a likely cause although as I mentioned this has not been confirmed. I wonder whether a diuretci such as Frusemide might be worth considering, although I am told that this is a diuretic which will take fluid from the body en masse - could it be worth considering to make her breathing easier. I am told if it is a tumour and surgery is performed the likely prognosis is in the region of three months which seems a very short space of time having put her through such a traumatic procedure, and that is if she were to survive it. Have you any advice?

Mrs Ozholl

ANSWER

Dear Mrs Ozholl,
Apart from a tumour in the chest, pleural effusion could be caused by a lung lobe torsion or liver lobe trapped in a diaphragmatic hernia. All surgical problems. Frusemide will not slow down effusion and only slightly increase resorption. I feel that your pet can not go on getting fluid drained and although surgery carries a high risk in this area it should be done. Has your practice the honest surgical skills, if not, ask to be referred to a vet who does. Hope all goes well.

Sandy Edwards