• Thoracocentesis is indicated where there is evidence of pleural effusion and collection is necessary to undertake examination of the fluid (physical, biochemical, cytologic and bacteriologic).
• However, this procedure is rarely performed in cattle, as large accumulations of pleural fluid are often associated with heart failure, infection secondary to a wire that has migrated from the rumen or infectious pleuritis, all of which carry a grave prognosis.
  • Cattle also have a tendency to form fibrinous adhesions between the visceral and parietal pleura, which can in some circumstances make collection of fluid unrewarding, as often there is a labyrinth of small pockets of exudate, rather than one large reservoir.

• Pleural fluid can arise from secondary causes of fluid accumulation - lymphosarcoma or other neoplasms, thoracic trauma, lung abscessation, infectious respiratory causes or migration of ingested wires from the reticulum resulting in infection and heart failure.

Uses

Advantages

• Simple and safe procedure.
• Relieves dyspnea and pain.
• Removes inflammatory products.

Disadvantages

• Potential complications are serious.

Technical problems

• Careful adherence to recognized techniques and procedures is necessary to avoid complications.

Time required

Preparation

• Careful consideration should be given as to whether sedation is required. This must be judged on a case by case basis.
  • Remember that it may be best to avoid sedating very sick cattle.
• Aseptic preparation and local anesthesia: 15-20 min.

Procedure

• Teat or intravenous cannula technique and collection of samples: 10 min.
• Insertion and suturing of drainage tube: 15-20 min.