What are the symptoms of pleural effusion?

Difficulty breathing, shallow and rapid breathing. Breathing with the abdomen. Exercise intolerance. Pale or bluish gums. Lethargy. In cats, they often hide

Is Pleural effusion contagious?

Pleural effusion does not spread directly between animals.

Respiratorias

Pleural effusion

A build-up of fluid in the space surrounding the lungs, which stops them from expanding. It is a respiratory emergency.

Veterinary emergency🐕 Dogs🐈 Cats

This may be a veterinary emergency

EMERGENCY: any difficulty breathing, especially if the animal is breathing with its abdomen or hiding (cats), needs immediate veterinary attention.

Symptoms to watch for

• Difficulty breathing, shallow and rapid breathing
• Breathing with the abdomen
• Exercise intolerance
• Pale or bluish gums
• Lethargy
• In cats, they often hide

Causes

Many possible causes: heart failure, FIP in cats, tumours, infections (pyothorax), trauma, clotting disorders.

Diagnosis

Chest X-ray or ultrasound. Analysis of the fluid drawn off points to the cause.

Treatment

EMERGENCY: drainage of the fluid (thoracocentesis) so the animal can breathe, oxygen, and treatment of the underlying cause.

Prevention

Difficult to prevent. Keep heart disease under control and treat infections promptly.

When should you see the vet?

EMERGENCY: any difficulty breathing, especially if the animal is breathing with its abdomen or hiding (cats), needs immediate veterinary attention.

Consult a vet 24 h emergency vets nearby

WetAi guides you and takes you to the vet; it does not diagnose.

Notice: this information is for general guidance and educational purposes only. It does NOT replace diagnosis or treatment by a registered veterinary surgeon. If you notice any symptoms, always consult a professional. Wallapets accepts no responsibility for the use of this information without veterinary supervision.