Chylothorax in Dogs

Breeds documented
2
Published sources
6

Overview

Milky lymph fluid can leak into the chest and collect around the lungs, a problem called chylothorax. This fluid, known as chyle, contains fat and can stop the lungs from expanding normally. Ongoing leakage can irritate the surfaces of the lungs and heart. Heart disease and other disorders can be involved, but in many dogs the cause remains unknown.

Signs to watch for

  • A dry cough
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Tiring easily during activity
  • Less interest in food
  • Weight loss

One surgical study included affected dogs aged 3.5 to 12.2 years.

Emergency Go to an emergency vet now if your dog has labored breathing.

Diagnosis and tests

Chest X-rays can show fluid around the lungs, but cannot identify chyle by themselves. Vets collect a sample of chest fluid and use laboratory testing to determine whether it is chyle. Ultrasound, a CT scan, and heart testing may help look for the underlying cause.

Breeds with documented risk

2 breeds

By breed size
  • 1 Small
  • 1 Large

Inheritance

  • Not yet known

    None of the sources we use states how this is inherited in dogs yet.

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.

Sources

  1. OMIA: Chylothorax: omia.org
  2. healthtopics.vetmed.ucdavis.edu
  3. acvs.org
  4. jstage.jst.go.jp
  5. vet.cornell.edu
  6. Afghan Hound: mspca.org