PLEURAL EFFUSION IN CATS - 82 CASES (1987 TO 1995)

Eighty-two cases of feline pleural effusion were identified and review ed to assess the type of fluid, underlying disease process, predisposi ng conditions, historical and physical examination findings, laborator y and cytology data, response to treatment and outcome. Pertinent find ings included a high occurrence of pleural effusion with mediastinal l ymphoma (and other types of intrathoracic neoplasia), pyothorax, cardi omyopathy and feline infectious peritonitis virus infection. Sixteen c ases, eight with chylous effusion, had no underlying disease identifie d. Cats with pyothorax and effusion secondary to trauma had the best p rognosis for complete recovery. Otherwise, the outcome was variable an d the prognosis was guarded to poor.