Pleural Effusions

Pleural effusions may occur in cats due to the following mechanisms:

• Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure e.g. congestive heart failure
• Altered lymphatic drainage e.g. neoplasia within the chest cavity
• Altered capillary integrity e.g. feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), inflammation or
• Decreased colloidal oncotic pressure e.g. hypoalbuminemia.

Fluid can be characterized based on cell numbers and types of cells, the protein content of the fluid, triglyceride and cholesterol content. Traditional fluid types include transudates, modified transudates and exudates. There is often cross-over between categories...

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