ABSTRACT
The pericardium consists of a serous membrane and a fibrous sac. Congenital hernias, acquired pericardial effusion, and constrictive (constrictive-effusive) pericardial disease represent the most clinically relevant disorders of the pericardium in small animal practice. The function of the pericardium is variously reported. Some reports describe “no vital function”; others incriminate the pericardium as the cause of cardiac failure. Monitoring of the central venous pressure often leads to a diagnosis of pericardial effusion. Clinical laboratory evaluation may simply reflect the consequences of heart failure or prior diuretic therapy. The echocardiogram is a highly sensitive test for detecting pericardial effusion. The treatment of choice for initial stabilization is pericardiocentesis using a needle, butterfly infusion needle, a through-the-needle catheter, an over-the-needle catheter, a commercial thoracocentesis trocar system, or a balloon dilation catheter.
