Successful medical management of septic pericardial effusion in a dog

Abstract

AbstractA 5‐year‐old, male, neutered cocker spaniel diagnosed with presumed immune‐mediated haemolytic anaemia 9 weeks previously, and treated with immunosuppressive medications with subsequent resolution of anaemia was presented for hyporexia, lethargy and tachypnoea of 48‐hour duration. Point‐of‐care thoracic ultrasonography revealed pericardial effusion causing cardiac tamponade. Cytological examination of the pericardial fluid showed an exudate with intracellular cocci chains and degenerate neutrophils, consistent with septic pericardial effusion. The culture of the effusion revealed a profuse growth of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. Antibiotic and supportive therapy were instituted, immunosuppressant medications were tapered and stopped, the patient's clinical status progressively improved, and a full recovery ensued without need of further surgical and interventional procedures. Dual immunosuppression with prednisolone and ciclosporin was considered to be the most likely cause for the patient's clinical condition.