Introduction

• 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.

• Potential complications are serious.

Requirements

Preparation

Procedure

Aftercare

Outcomes

Prognosis

• Dependent upon individual disease entity.
• Good for diagnostic thoracentesis.

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed Papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
• Vermunt J J (2011) Surgical diagnostic procedures in cattle: An overview. ResearchOnline.

Other sources of information

• Divers T J & Peek S F (2007) Rebhun’s Diseases of Dairy cattle. Elsevier Health Sciences.