Chylothorax

                          -----------

                      General Information



Chylothorax is an accumulation of a milky fluid (chyle) in the

chest cavity.  The fluid contains lymph and digested fat that is

being transported to the heart by the lymph channels.  The main

lymph duct in the chest is called the thoracic duct.  Leakage

from this duct causes chylothorax.



Leakage or rupture of the duct may result from trauma, birth

defects, heart disease, tumors and parasites (heartworms).

Rupture of the thoracic duct can result in as much as 6 ounces

of chyle accumulating in the chest over 24 hours.  This fluid

compresses the lungs and decreases the room available for the

lungs to expand, causing difficult breathing.



                 Important Points in Treatment



1.  Rarely will chylothorax clear up with only medical treatment.

    In most cases, chest drainage is necessary, and in some cases

    the damaged thoracic duct must be surgically repaired or tied

    off. Generally hospitalization is necessary.



2.  Give all medication as directed.  Call the doctor if you

    cannot give the medication.



3.  Diet:  Follow the instructions checked.



    ____Feed the normal diet.



    ____A special diet is required.  Feed as follows:





4.  Activity:  Follow the instructions checked.



    ____Allow normal activity.



    ____Restrict activity as follows:





5.  Surgical patients:  Check the incision at least once daily.

    Call the doctor if you observe any abnormalities.



6.  Special instructions:





        Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur:



    * Your pet has trouble breathing.



    * Your pet vomits or is reluctant to eat.



    * Your pet cannot lie down comfortably.



    * Your pet develops new signs or the old signs recur after an

    apparent recovery.