Pericardial effusion with tamponade and passive liver congestion and secondary ascites on a 11 year old FS Golden Retriever dog

History

An 11-year old SF Golden retriever was presented for evaluation of a modified transudate ascites.

Clinical Differential Diagnosis

Pericardial effusion, neoplasia, portal hypertension, chronic liver disease

DX

Pericardial effusion and tamponade with passive congestion liver pattern.

Sampling

None

Sonographic Differential Diagnosis

Pericardial effusion and tamponade with passive congestion liver pattern.
Given the presentation this is either idiopathic pericardial effusion or occult hemangiosarcoma. Recommend pericardiocentesis and drainage as well as reevaluation of the abdomen and thorax.

Image Interpretation

Pericardial effusion was noted causing passive congestion pattern and secondary ascites. The heart was volume contracted with tamponade effect. No overt mass was noted.
The abdomen in this patient presented dilated hepatic veins, irregular contour and heterogenous parenchymal changes to the liver. Hepatic vein dilation measured approximately 2.0 cm. The gallbladder was unremarkable.