Radiographie, epidemiologie, and clinical aspects of simultaneous pleural and peritoneal effusions in dogs and cats: 48 cases (1982-1991)

Abstract

Summary: In this study, we found that the rate at which radiographically diagnosed simultaneous pleural and peritoneal effusions (double effusions [de]) developed was highest in dogs and cats with infectious causes of pleuritis and/or peritonitis and in those with pancreatitis. However, de were observed more frequently in dogs and cats with neoplastic and cardiovascular diseases. Nonneoplastic liver disease was also documented as a cause of de in the population of this study. Frequency of de was increased in males and in animals > 6 years old. The finding of simultaneous pleural and peritoneal effusions can be considered an indicator of disease severity, and warrants a poor to grave prognosis.