Pericardial Effusion in Dogs

Abstract

Pericardial effusion is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pericardium, the membranous, fibroserous sac enclosing the heart and the bases of the great vessels. Fluid accumulation results in increased pericardial pressure, which compresses the heart and prevents it from filling properly during diastole, causing a life-threatening drop in cardiac output and blood pressure that requires immediate treatment. Technicians must be able to recognize the clinical signs of this condition so that proper medical interventions can be initiated.