NUTRITIONAL AND MEDICAL-MANAGEMENT OF CHYLOTHORAX IN A RHODESIAN RIDGEBACK DOG

Chylothorax associated with idiopathic pneumomediastinum was diagnosed in a male, 2.5-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback dog. The cause of the pneumomediastinum remained undetermined but nutritional and medical management were effective in controlling the chylothorax. Low-fat, high-carbohydrate diets balanced for protein and essential fatty acid requirements were used in conjunction with chemical sclerosis of both pleural cavities and furosemide therapy to effect successful, prolonged remission of the chylothorax. The dog's overall condition has remained excellent despite the continual, small accumulation of excess pleural fluid. Long-term conservative therapy was shown to be successful in managing chylothorax in this case.