9^th Global Veterinary Summit

Pleural effusion, an abnormal accumulation of fluid within the pleural cavity, usually affects cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

Bella, three-year-old intact female Irish setter, was seen by primary veterinarian for lethargy, fatigue and wobbling, and was treated

for lung edema a month ago. Then she was referred to Clinical Service of Internal Medicine at the faculty of veterinary medicine,

Ankara University. Physical examination revealed lethargy, ataxia, incoordination and anorexia. CBC was unremarkable except

low HCT. On ultrasonography, pleural effusion was determined and then aspiration followed. Cytological examination revealed

mainly RBC and WBC’s. Based on echocardiography and electrocardiography examinations, stage B1 of cardiovascular disease was

diagnosed according to guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of canine chronic valvular heart disease by American College of

Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) specialty of cardiology consensus in 2009. Although Bella was treated as inpatient for 2 weeks with diuretics, steroids, and antibiotics, prognosis was guarded due to weight loss and large amount of pleural effusion drained about

seven liters. However, there was no clinical symptoms of respiratory system. On declined exploratory surgery and elected human

euthanasia. Necropsy revealed only diaphragmatic hernia. Cases with persistent pleural effusion, but without respiratory signs should

be ruled out/in for diaphragmatic hernia.