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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
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Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension and Assessment of Right Ventricular Function in the Piglet
Published on: November 4, 2015
Marked pleural effusion causing right atrial collapse simulating cardiac tamponade in a dog
Amy A Little1, Michele Steffey, Marc S Kraus
1Section of Small Animal Surgery, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA.
Summary
Severe effusions in a German shepherd were caused by a diaphragmatic hernia. Surgical repair resolved the effusions and cardiac tamponade, demonstrating the hernia
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Canine Cardiology
- Thoracic Surgery
Background:
- Diaphragmatic hernias can lead to significant thoracic and abdominal complications in dogs.
- Cardiac tamponade, characterized by right atrial collapse, is a critical condition often associated with pericardial effusion.
Observation:
- A 16-month-old German shepherd presented with severe bicavitary effusions (pleural and peritoneal).
- Thoracic radiography confirmed a diaphragmatic hernia.
- Echocardiography revealed signs of cardiac tamponade (right atrial collapse) without evidence of pericardial effusion, suggesting a secondary cause.
Findings:
- Surgical exploration identified no pericardial disease.
- Successful surgical correction of the diaphragmatic hernia led to the resolution of both pleural and peritoneal effusions.
- Post-operative echocardiography confirmed the resolution of cardiac tamponade.
Implications:
- This case highlights that diaphragmatic hernias can induce cardiac tamponade through mechanisms other than pericardial effusion, such as severe pleural effusion.
- Prompt surgical intervention for diaphragmatic hernias is crucial for resolving secondary cardiovascular compromise.
- Echocardiographic assessment is vital for diagnosing cardiac tamponade and monitoring treatment efficacy in affected dogs.
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