Echocardiographic features of pericardial effusion in dogs

In a review of case records of pericardial effusion in dogs, detected by means of M-mode echocardiography, echocardiographic findings were similar to those described for other species. In each of 3 cases analyzed, the abnormalities were echo-free separation of the visceral and parietal pericardium, dampening of parietal pericardial motion, exaggerated or paradoxic motion of intracardiac structures, and thickened epicardial echos. Echocardiographic changes compatible with constriction of the pericardium were found in one case.