PERICARDIOCENTESIS DUE TO PERICARDIAL EFFUSION IN A GOLDEN RETRIEVER: CASE REPORT

Abstract

This report describes a clinical case of pericardial effusion in a 5-year-old, 32-kg Golden Retriever dog that presented with exercise intolerance, progressive weakness, and episodes of syncope. Imaging tests, such as chest radiography and echocardiography, confirmed the presence of pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade. Pericardiocentesis was successfully performed, draining 252 mL of serosanguineous fluid, which resulted in significant clinical improvement within the first 24 hours. Given the possibility of recurrence, pericardiectomy was chosen and performed successfully, promoting the patient's complete recovery. This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and the use of advanced methods, such as echocardiography, for the effective management of pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade in dogs.