Evaluation for fluid accumulation

Right-sided congestive heart failure promotes abnormal fluid accumulation within body cavities or, usually less noticeably, in the subcutis of dependant areas. Palpation and ballotement of the abdomen, palpation of dependant areas, and percussion of the chest in the standing animal are used to detect effusions and subcutaneous edema. Fluid accumulation secondary to right-sided heart failure is usually accompanied by abnormal jugular vein distention and/or pulsations, unless the animal’s circulating blood volume has been decreased by diuretic use or other cause. Hepatomegaly and/or splenomegaly may also be noted in cats and dogs with right-sided heart failure.

We would love to hear your pet's story. Please add a comment.

MORE VETERINARY ARTICLES

  • Infertility in dogs | Canine Infertility
    Infertility in dogs | Canine Infertility Normal seminal quality, normal desire to breed ( libido ), and normal ability to mate are all ne...
  • Weakness and Syncope in dogs and cats
    Signs and symptoms of syncope in dogs and cats . Cardiac output often becomes inadequate in animals with heart disease or heart failure , es...
  • Jugular veins in dogs and cats
    System venous and right heart filling pressures are reflected at the jugular veins in dogs and cats . These veins should not be distended wh...
  • Rimadyl
    Brand Name Rimadyl (Pfizer Animal Health) Generic Name Carprofen What is the most important information I should know about Rimadyl: ...
  • Heartworm life cycle in dogs
    The life cycle of the heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) is as follows: A mosquito ingests microfilariae (first-stage larvae L1) from an infe...
  • Canine Cardiac Tumors | Cardiac Tumors in Dogs
    Canine Cardiac Tumors | Cardiac Tumors in Dogs Although the overall prevalence of cardiac tumors is low, the increased use of echocardiograp...
  • Good and bad cholesterol in dogs
    Good and bad cholesterol dogs High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is the smallest of the lipoprotein molecules and is synthesized primarily in th...
  • Artificial insemination in dogs
    Artificial insemination (AI) in dogs is used primarily when natural breeding cannot be accomplished. Transporting semen, rather than live ...
  • Vetsulin for dogs
    Brand Name Vetsulin (Intervet) Generic Name Porcine Insulin Zinc Suspension What is the most important information I should know about Vetsu...
  • Distinguishing regurgitation from vomiting
    Regurgitation is the expulsion of material (i.e., food, water, saliva) from the mouth, pharynx, or esophagus. It must be differentiated from...