Cisterna Chyli Ablation with Thoracic Duct Ligation for Chylothorax: Results in Eight Dogs

Abstract

To report use of combined cisterna chyli ablation (CCA) and thoracic duct ligation (TDL) for treatment of spontaneously occurring chylothorax in dogs. Retrospective study. Eight dogs with chylothorax. TDL was performed through a right caudal intercostal thoracotomy and CCA through a left flank paracostal approach or ventral median celiotomy. Long-term outcome (range, 2-48 months; median, 11.5 months) was evaluated by telephone communication with owners. Seven dogs were free of clinical signs related to chylothorax at last follow-up (range, 4-48 months; median, 15.5 months). One dog was euthanatized 2 months after surgery because of lack of improvement. No major complications occurred from CCA. CCA and TDL resolved chylothorax in most dogs (88%). CCA combined with TDL may improve the outcome of chylothorax in dogs.