Pericardial Effusion (Fluid around the heart) in Cats
Key takeaways
Pericardial effusion is an uncommon cardiovascular disease in cats, defined as an abnormal amount of fluid accumulated in the sac around the heart (pericardium).
- When pericardial fluid accumulates in excess, the heart is restricted from filling with blood and pumping oxygenated blood throughout the body
- Symptoms include difficulty breathing, exercise intolerance, pale gums, weakness, and decreased appetite
- In severe cases, collapse and death can occur suddenly and without prior signs
- Diagnosis involves blood work, blood pressure measurement, cardiac ultrasound, chest X-rays, fluid analysis, and ECG
- Treatment mainly focuses on addressing the underlying condition
- In chronic cases, surgical procedures to remove excess fluid (pericardiocentesis) and all or part of the pericardium (pericardiectomy) might be necessary
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A closer look: Pericardial Effusion (Fluid around the heart) in Cats
The pericardium is a thin membrane that surrounds the heart. Normally it is filled with a very small amount of fluid to provide lubrication. When fluid accumulates in excess, it prevents the heart from filling with blood and pumping oxygenated blood throughout the body.
Pericardial effusion is a life-threatening emergency, as death can occur if the fluid is not removed before blood and oxygen levels become critical.
Prognosis is guarded, and ultimately depends on the underlying cause.
Risk factors
Depending on the severity of the condition, clinical signs can present dramatically and lead to collapse and death without prior signs.
Cats with pre-existing heart disease are at higher risk of pericardial effusion. Outdoor cats are at higher risk of blunt force trauma, such as being hit by a car, which may result in pericardial effusion.
Possible causes
Sometimes, pericardial effusion is idiopathic (the cause cannot be determined).
Main symptoms
Symptoms of pericardial effusion can appear suddenly, even if the fluid has been accumulating for some time.
Testing and diagnosis
Several tests are used if pericardial effusion is suspected. These include:
- Blood work
- Blood pressure measurement
- Diagnostic imaging (chest X-rays and ultrasound of the heart)
- ECG (electrocardiography)
- Cytology (fluid analysis of the pericardial fluid)
Steps to Recovery
Treatment often consists of addressing the underlying condition causing the pericardial effusion. Examples may include antibiotics, steroids, or chemotherapy.
Treatments addressing the effusion directly may involve:
- Pericardiocentesis, which consists of removing excessive fluid from the pericardium. This procedure merely addresses the symptoms and does not cure pericardial effusion which is likely to recur.
- Pericardiectomy, in which the pericardial sac is surgically removed.
The prognosis varies according to the underlying condition. Some non cancerous-related pericardial effusions respond well to treatment.
Pericardial effusion is a recurring disease, especially if the primary condition is not treated. Several follow-up veterinary visits are often required after a diagnosis of pericardial effusion. Repeat pericardiocenteses are sometimes also required. In some cases, euthanasia may be recommended.
Prevention
Pericardial effusion is not contagious.
There are no specific preventative measures for pericardial effusion.
Is Pericardial Effusion (Fluid around the heart) in Cats common?
Pericardial effusion is rare in cats.
Typical Treatment
- Antibiotics
- Steroids
- Chemotherapy
- Pericardiocentesis
- Pericardiectomy
