Pleural effusion

Question 1

Pure transudate

Answer 1

low cellularity, clear in colour, protein <25g/l

Question 2

Modified transudate

Answer 2

moderate cellularity, slightly hazy in colour, protein 25-40g/l

Question 3

Exudate

Answer 3

moderate to high cell count, typically opaque in colour, protein >30g/l

Question 4

Pyothorax

Answer 4

high cell count and smells, amber red or yellow in colour, protein >35g/l

Question 5

Chylothorax

Answer 5

high cell count, creamy +/- pale pink in colour, protein variable.
= lymph formed in the digestive system (chyle) accumulating in the chest cavity

Question 6

In addition to thoracocentesis, what test should you do to confirm chylothorax?

Answer 6

Serum triglyceride ratio check.
would expect the effusion fluid to be higher in triglyceride than the serum, and the chyle is predominantly made up of fat globules (chylomicrons) and a high lymphocyte cellularity

Question 7

What anatomical feature of a dog allows a single drain to be placed to empty both sides?

Answer 7

They have a fenestrated mediastinum