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Updated: Nov 4, 2025
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Sterile Pericarditis in Aachener Minipigs As a Model for Atrial Myopathy and Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: September 24, 2021
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Septic pericarditis caused by a migrating grass awn in a cat
K Denroche1, P R Fox2, J Prittie1
1The Animal Medical Center, Department of Emergency and Critical Care, 510 East 62nd Street, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
Summary
A migrating grass awn caused septic pericarditis and cardiac tamponade in a cat, a rare condition. Surgical removal of the foreign body and fluid led to a full recovery, marking the first reported case in felines.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Comparative Pathology
- Small Animal Surgery
Background:
- Septic pericarditis and cardiac tamponade are uncommon in companion animals.
- Migrating grass awn foreign bodies are a rare etiology for these conditions.
Observation:
- A 9-year-old domestic long-hair cat presented with acute tachypnea.
- Thoracic sonography revealed large-volume pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade.
- Pericardiocentesis yielded purulent fluid with septic, suppurative inflammation.
Findings:
- Culture of pericardial effusion identified Pasteurella sp.
- Echocardiography and CT confirmed pericardial effusion, thickening, and a linear foreign body.
- Exploratory surgery revealed and removed a 16-mm grass awn from the pericardial space.
- Histopathology showed chronic pericarditis with lymphoplasmacytic-to-pyogranulomatous inflammation and foreign body presence.
Implications:
- This is the first reported case of septic pericarditis and cardiac tamponade caused by a migrating grass awn in a cat.
- Successful surgical intervention and supportive care led to a long-term positive outcome.
- Highlights the importance of considering migrating foreign bodies in diagnosing complex thoracic conditions in cats.
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