A chylothorax is a condition that results from lymphatic fluid accumulating in the pleural cavity. Its cause is usually leakage from the thoracic duct or one of the main lymphatic vessels that drain to it. The most common causes are lymphoma and trauma caused by thoracic surgery.1


1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chylothorax

With thoracic duct ligation, the success rate for both dogs and cats being treated for chylothorax is anywhere from 40-60 percent. When TDL and pericardectomy are combined, the success rate is as high as 80-100 percent.

Hemorrhage; pneumothorax; recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, causing hoarseness; infection; tumor implantation in the wound; phrenic nerve injury; esophageal injury; chylothorax; air embolism; transient hemiparesis.

Pleural effusion is the generic term for fluid in the pleural space, but there are more specific terms if you know the type of fluid.

Blood - hemothorax

Lymph - chylothorax

Serous fluid - hydrothorax

Pus - empyema or pyothorax

Ascites is accumulation of serous fluid in the peritoneal cavity {abdomen}. Its known by several other names: Hydroperitoneum and believe it or not,...Peritoneal Cavity Fluid. The old-time name was Abdominal Dropsy. It can occur due to cancer, liver disease or other conditions.