A Review of the Pathophysiology, Classification, and Analysis of Canine and Feline Cavitary Effusions

Abstract

Effusion is the abnormal accumulation of fluid within a body cavity that can result from a variety of disease processes. This article reviews the normal production and resorption of body cavity fluid and the pathophysiology of abnormal fluid accumulation. In addition, classification schemes, differential diagnoses, and currently available diagnostic tests for evaluation of effusions are reviewed.

Radiographic and Ultrasonographic Findings in Three Surgically Confirmed Cases of Small Intestinal Ischemia Related to Mesenteric Volvulus or Intestinal Torsion in Dogs

“…In all three ultrasound examinations a moderate amount of peritoneal effusion with hyperechoic mesenteric and omental fat tissue was noted. The fluid could represent septic or non-septic exudate due to inflammation and increase in mesothelial and endothelial permeability [34]. The biochemical and cytological analysis of the peritoneal fluid was not performed, however, in the exploratory laparotomy no clear macroscopic signs of peritonitis were observed in any of the dogs.…”

Body Cavity Fluids

“…The physiology and pathophysiology of effusions is well described elsewhere (Dempsey and Ewing, 2011;O'Brien and Lumsden, 1988;Shaw and Rush, 2007). The physiology and pathophysiology of effusions is well described elsewhere (Dempsey and Ewing, 2011;O'Brien and Lumsden, 1988;Shaw and Rush, 2007).…”

“…These fluids increase in volume in response to physiologic mechanisms, such as increased hydrostatic vascular pressure or decreased colloidal osmotic pressure, which cause the normal homeostatic mechanisms of fluid production and resorption to be overwhelmed, as described by Starling principles (Dempsey and Ewing, 2011;O'Brien and Lumsden, 1988;Stewart, 2000). These fluids increase in volume in response to physiologic mechanisms, such as increased hydrostatic vascular pressure or decreased colloidal osmotic pressure, which cause the normal homeostatic mechanisms of fluid production and resorption to be overwhelmed, as described by Starling principles (Dempsey and Ewing, 2011;O'Brien and Lumsden, 1988;Stewart, 2000).…”

“…Detailed physiologic descriptions of serous body cavity homeostasis are available (Bouvy and Bjorling, 1991;Dempsey and Ewing, 2011;Forrester, 1988). Detailed physiologic descriptions of serous body cavity homeostasis are available (Bouvy and Bjorling, 1991;Dempsey and Ewing, 2011;Forrester, 1988).…”

Biochemical assessment of canine body cavity effusions using three bench‐top analysers

“…Various classification schemes have been proposed which are based on the laboratory analysis of the fluid (total nucleated cell count (TNCC) and total protein to classify the effusion as a transudate, modified transudate or exudate) or the actual cause behind the formation of the effusion (e.g. altered mesothelial and/or endothelial permeability, ruptured vessel or viscus) (Dempsey and Ewing ). Irrespective of the differences in the classification of effusions, concurrent biochemical analysis of fluid and blood samples is widely accepted as a valuable diagnostic tool during the investigation of patients with body cavity effusions (Fossum and others , Tyler and Cowell , Rizzi and others , Stockham and Scott , Chambers , Nelson , Dempsey and Ewing ).…”