title: Use of the PleuralPort device for management of pleural effusion in six dogs and four cats.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe the placement technique, complications, and outcomes associated with use of the PleuralPort device for management of pleural effusion in dogs and cats.
  
  
  METHODS
  Case Series.
  
  
  METHODS
  Six dogs and 4 cats.
  
  
  METHODS
  Medical records of all animals with pleural effusion managed with the PleuralPort device were reviewed. Data regarding signalment, fluid analysis, placement technique, duration of function, duration of implantation, complications, and outcome were collected. Owners and referring veterinarians were contacted for follow-up information.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Nine animals had chylous effusion and 1 dog had pleural carcinomatosis. Eleven ports were placed with 1 cat receiving bilateral ports. Four animals developed complications. One cat developed pneumothorax immediately after implantation and was euthanatized. In 2 dogs and 1 cat, the ports obstructed. The 6 remaining animals had functioning ports at time of death or resolution of effusion and no longer required use of the port. No significant port migration, irritation, or infection of the device was reported. Excluding the cat with pneumothorax, median duration of port function was 20 days (range 1-391), and median duration of port implantation was 391 days (range 6-723).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The PleuralPort device is a feasible option for the management of pleural effusion in dogs and cats.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, 2015 Linden Drive, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA.
authors.forename: Aimee C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Brooks
authors.forename: Robert J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Hardie
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000662:veterinary*; D002415:Cats; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs; D004322:Drainage / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D008297:Male; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000662:veterinary; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome