Diagnosis and management of cardiac tamponade due to pericardial effusion secondary to aortic body tumor in a Spitz

Pericardial effusion is defined as the abnormal accumulation fluid inside the pericardial sac. It is a life threatening complication which needs immediate intervention. A seven year old female Spitz was presented to the Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Mannuthy with the history of abdominal distension, difficulty in respiration, anorexia and weakness since last five days. Clinical examination revealed pale mucous membranes, distension of jugular vein, oedema of limbs, weak pulse, tachycardia and fluid thrill on ballottement of abdomen. Muffled heart sounds were heard on auscultation. On lateral thoracic radiograph the cardiac silhouette was globoid and masked with fluid. Electrocardiography had low voltage QRS complexes. Echocardiography showed severe pericardial effusion with diastolic collapse of right atrium and ventricle, which is suggestive of cardiac tamponade. A hypoechoic mass of about 1.85cm was visualised at the base of the aorta. Pericardiocentesis was performed, around 90ml of pericardial fluid was removed. Cytology of the pericardial fluid showed the presence of red blood cells, cluster of mesothelial cells and lymphocytes. Cultural examination of pericardial fluid did not reveal any bacterial growth.