Nursing the feline patient following surgical management of idiopathic pericardial effusion by subtotal pericardiectomy

Abstract

A 4-year-old feline was admitted to the veterinary hospital for haemorrhagic pericardial effusion leading to cardiac tamponade of unknown origin. Concurrent subclinical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) was also diagnosed. After significant diagnostic tests and reoccurrence of the effusion, the patient underwent a subtotal pericardiectomy. Results were consistent with neutrophillic/granulomatous pericarditis of unknown origin. This article discusses the nursing care implemented postoperatively, focusing on the major themes of pain management, pain scoring, management of the thoracostomy tube and the correction of dehydration and maintaining the patient's nutritional requirements. After 7 days of hospitalisation, the patient recovered well and was discharged.