Rare case of pleural effusion associated with thymoma in a cat

Abstract

Pleural effusion refers to the abnormal accumulation of fluid within the thoracic cavity. The etiologies of pleural effusion in cats include pyothorax, congestive heart failure, feline infectious peritonitis, neoplasia, and idiopathic chylothorax, each presenting unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Neoplasia-related pleural effusion can originate from a variety of malignant sources, including primary pleural tumours, bronchopulmonary neoplasms, and mediastinal malignancies, which can invade or metastasize to the pleural space, leading to fluid accumulation and associated clinical signs. An eight-month-old cat was presented with signs of respiratory distress and inappetence. Clinical examination revealed that the cat was tachypnoeic and tachycardic. Radiographic findings include fluid accumulation in the thoracic cavity. Emergency thoracocentesis was performed and around 70 ml of pleural fluid was removed. Radiography post thoracocentesis revealed mass in the thoracic cavity. The cat had severe respiratory compromise and collapsed during stabilization. Post-Mortem examination was performed which revealed thymoma.