Diagnosis of pericardial effusion in dogs: A short study

Abstract

Pericardial effusion in dogs is relatively uncommon diseases in dogs but its presence is very serious and life threatening in nature. So its early diagnosis is essential. Out of total 2582 cases reported at Veterinary Medicine section of VCC, LUVAS, Hisar during a period of 8 months (August 2019 to March 2020), 4 cases were diagnosed to be affected with pericardial effusion based on diagnostic aids i.e. electrocardiography, radiography and echocardiography. Out of 4 affected dogs, 3 belonged to age group 4-9 year and 1 dog was less than 4 year. Characteristic clinical examination findings were muffled heart sound and weak femoral pulse. Haematological analysis revealed low haemoglobin, haematocrit values with relative neutrophilia. Biochemical analysis depicted elevated SGOT, SGPT and LDH levels. On electrocardiography, characteristic low voltage QRS complex and electrical alterans found. Lateral radiograph depicted characteristic globoid cardiac silhouette. Echocardiography revealed characteristic anechoic- hypoechoic space/fluid between epicardium and pericardial sac along with swinging motion of heart within pericardial sac. Based on findings, it can be concluded that electrocardiography, radiography and echocardiography provide definitive diagnosis of pericardial effusion.