Idiopathic Chylothorax in a Domestic Short-Haired Cat: Diagnosis and Successful Conservative Medical Management
S. Imayakeerthana
Veterinary College and Research Institute, TANUVAS, Orathanadu – 614625, India.
M. Veeraselvam *
Department of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary College and Research Institute, TANUVAS, Orathanadu – 614625, India.
K. Karthika
Department of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary College and Research Institute, TANUVAS, Orathanadu – 614625, India.
S. Yogeshpriya
Department of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary College and Research Institute, TANUVAS, Orathanadu – 614625, India.
P. K. Ramkumar
Veterinary Clinical Complex, Veterinary College and Research Institute, TANUVAS, Orathanadu – 14625, India.
M. Sandhya Bhavani
Department of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary College and Research Institute, TANUVAS, Orathanadu – 614625, India.
K. Jayalakshmi
Veterinary Clinical Complex, Veterinary College and Research Institute, TANUVAS, Orathanadu – 14625, India.
K. K. Ponnu Swamy
Department of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary College and Research Institute, TANUVAS, Orathanadu – 614625, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Chylothorax is an uncommon but clinically significant cause of pleural effusion in cats, characterized by the accumulation of triglyceride-rich lymphatic fluid within the pleural cavity. A three-year-old male domestic short-haired cat was presented with respiratory distress and open-mouth breathing. Thoracic auscultation revealed muffled heart and lung sounds and radiography confirmed pleural effusion. Ultrasonography revealed that anechoic pleural fluid pockets with suspended internal echoes. Thoracocentesis yielded milky white fluid with a triglyceride concentration (210 mg/dL) exceeding that of serum (65 mg/dL) and a triglyceride to cholesterol ratio greater than 1, together with lymphocyte predominant cytology, confirming a chylous effusion. Rivalta and ether clearance tests were also positive for chyle. No evidence of cardiac disease, neoplasia or trauma was detected, supporting a diagnosis of idiopathic chylothorax. The cat was managed conservatively with repeated thoracocentesis, oral rutin (50 mg/kg body weight), prednisolone (0.5 mg/kg body weight) and antibiotics. Clinical improvement was observed within two weeks, with follow-up imaging confirmed complete resolution of pleural effusion and no recurrence during the subsequent two-month follow-up period. This case highlights the diagnostic importance of pleural fluid triglyceride estimation and supports the effectiveness of conservative management using rutin and corticosteroids in achieving successful resolution of idiopathic feline chylothorax.
Keywords: Idiopathic chylothorax, cat, pleural effusion, triglyceride estimation, rutin