Chylothorax in a Scottish Terrier: A Case Study (copy)

Chylothorax

a condition characterized by the accumulation of chyle in the pleural cavity.

Dyspnea

The presence of difficult or labored breathing.

Thoracocentesis

A procedure to remove fluid or air from the pleural space using a needle.

Oxygen Dissociation Curve

A graph that illustrates the relationship between the partial pressure of oxygen and the saturation of hemoglobin with oxygen.

Modified Transudate

A type of pleural fluid classified by a cell count between 1,000 and 5,000, often associated with chylothorax.

Pneumothorax

The presence of air in the pleural space, which can interfere with normal lung expansion.

Pulmonary Disease

Conditions affecting the lungs, such as pulmonary fibrosis, pneumonia, and atelectasis.

Cranial Vena Cava Thrombosis

A clot in the cranial vena cava that can obstruct chyle flow, increasing hydrostatic pressure.

Idiopathic Chylothorax

Chylothorax with no identifiable cause, which accounts for approximately 80% of cases.

Thoracic Duct

A major lymphatic vessel that transports chyle from the intestines to the bloodstream.

Fluid Analysis

A diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the characteristics and composition of pleural fluid.

Exudate

Pleural fluid with a high white blood cell count, usually greater than 5,000.

Transudate

Pleural fluid with a very low cell count, less than 1,000.

Lymphangiectasia

A condition characterized by dilation of lymphatic vessels, which can lead to chyle leakage.

Sterile Technique

A method used in medical procedures to prevent infection by ensuring everything used is clean and free of pathogens.

Rutin (benzopyran)

A medication reported to increase macrophage activity in clearing chyle and may decrease chyle production.

Success Rate of Surgical Management

Varies from 65% to 100%, but is typically around 70-80% in managing chylothorax.

Pericardectomy

Surgical removal of the pericardium to reduce pressure on the heart.

Thoracotomy

A surgical incision into the chest cavity, performed to access the thoracic organs.