Pericardial Effusion and Cardiac Neoplasia in Dogs

The presence of a pericardial effusion most often indicates one of two things: idiopathic, self-limiting inflammation, or a neoplastic process in a vital organ. As such, approaching dogs with a diagnosis of pericardial effusion can present challenges in decision making and client communication.

Here, we review how to perform pericardiocentesis as well as various considerations and treatment options for dogs diagnosed with tumours of the heart. Novel approaches and methods of palliating incurable neoplasia are available which can help to improve quality of life and prolong survival.