Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2007; 20(04): 340-345
DOI: 10.1160/VCOT-06-12-0094
Case Report
Schattauer GmbH

Chronic peritoneal effusion secondary to partial caudal vena cava obstruction following traumatic pneumothorax in a dog

P. M. Montavon
1   Clinic for Small Animal Surgery, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Vetsuisse Faculty University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
,
P. Arnold
2   Möriken / AG, Switzerland
,
L. K. von Segesser
3   Lausanne, Switzerland
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received 06 December 2006

Accepted 02 May 2007

Publication Date:
18 December 2017 (online)

Preview

Summary

A three-year old, female Boxer Dog was treated initially with thoracocentesis for a right-sided pneumothorax. The dog was re-evaluated after three weeks because of an enlargement of the abdomen. A positive venogram revealed a ventral displacement of the caudal vena cava between the diaphragm and the heart, with a severe reduction of the diameter of the vein. An exploratory thoracotomy showed a displaced accessory lung lobe with an adhesion to the parietal pleura. Inflation of this lung lobe created a dynamic obstruction of the caudal vena cava, which resulted in ascites. Surgery offered successful treatment.