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Chylothorax
Accumulation of lymphatic fluid (chyle) in the chest cavity, compressing the lungs.
Key Facts
- Cats diagnosed 4x more often than dogs
- Milky white fluid from fat content in lymph
- Predisposed breeds: Siamese, Himalayan cats; Afghan Hound, Shiba Inu dogs
- Most cases are idiopathic (no identifiable cause)
- Heart disease is most common identifiable cause
- Thoracic duct ligation + pericardiectomy: resolves 80% cats, 100% dogs
- Rutin supplement may help reduce chyle buildup