Cisterna chyli ablation with thoracic duct ligation for chylothorax: results in eight dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To report use of combined cisterna chyli ablation (CCA) and thoracic duct ligation (TDL) for treatment of spontaneously occurring chylothorax in dogs.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
Eight dogs with chylothorax.


METHODS
TDL was performed through a right caudal intercostal thoracotomy and CCA through a left flank paracostal approach or ventral median celiotomy. Long-term outcome (range, 2-48 months; median, 11.5 months) was evaluated by telephone communication with owners.


RESULTS
Seven dogs were free of clinical signs related to chylothorax at last follow-up (range, 4-48 months; median, 15.5 months). One dog was euthanatized 2 months after surgery because of lack of improvement. No major complications occurred from CCA.


CONCLUSIONS
CCA and TDL resolved chylothorax in most dogs (88%).


CONCLUSIONS
CCA combined with TDL may improve the outcome of chylothorax in dogs.
Hayashi
Kei
K
Department of Surgical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
Sicard
Gretchen
G
Gellasch
Kelly
K
Frank
Joseph D
JD
Hardie
Robert J
RJ
McAnulty
Jonathan F
JF
D000818:Animals; D002916:Chylothorax / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs; D004322:Drainage / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D008026:Ligation / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D008220:Lymphography / Q000662:veterinary; D008297:Male; D011996:Records / Q000662:veterinary; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013897:Thoracic Duct / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome