Ventricular penetration with a rigid drainage catheter as a procedural complication caused by space‐occupying intrathoracic mass with significant cardiac displacement in a dog

Abstract

AbstractA 3‐year‐old, female, entire labrador retriever was presented as an emergency referral for suspected iatrogenic cardiac trauma during thoracostomy tube placement for perceived pyothorax. The patient initially presented for non‐specific lethargy and anorexia and upon investigations was found to have a mass on the external thoracic wall and what appeared to be a large‐volume pleural effusion. During thoracostomy drain placement, fresh, clotting blood was aspirated through the drain. The patient was haemodynamically stable on arrival at the referral centre with a normal electrocardiogram. Imaging revealed penetration of the left ventricular free wall and septum and significant displacement of the heart due to a large intrathoracic space‐occupying mass. Cytology of the mass was suggestive of soft tissue sarcoma. The patient was euthanased.